Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal on Monday issued a stern warning to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kanal stated, “Abhi tak toh yeh trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai” (This was just a trailer; the full picture is yet to come).
Clarifying that his response was not about taking the law into his own hands, Kanal emphasized that it was about self-respect. “When it comes to elders or respected citizens of the country, one cannot tolerate disrespect. If our elders are targeted, we will respond accordingly. The message for Kunal Kamra is clear—whenever you are in Mumbai, you will learn a lesson in Shiv Sena style,” he added.
Following an FIR filed against him and his party workers, Kanal reiterated his stance, asserting that Kamra would be taught a lesson. “We had already filed complaints and even warned the owner of Habitat (the comedy venue) that six FIRs had been registered against this place in the past. This is a paid conspiracy, but Mumbai Police is capable of exposing it,” Kanal claimed.
The Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalizing the Habitat stand-up comedy venue during a live show by comedian Rajat Sood. According to Sub-Inspector Vijay from Khar police station, members of the Shinde Sena youth wing stormed the venue, disrupted the performance, and damaged the set.
The FIR has been lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351(2), 352, 333, 37(1), 135, along with Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
This incident follows objections raised by Shinde Sena leaders against Kunal Kamra’s latest stand-up special, in which they allege he has “mocked” Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
