Priyanka Tiwari
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Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's recent performance in Mumbai has ignited a significant political controversy. During his 'Naya Bharat' show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Kamra satirically addressed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, referring to him as a "gaddar" (traitor) through a parody of a song from the Bollywood film 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
The Performance and Its Aftermath
In the act, Kamra modified the lyrics of the song 'Bholi Si Surat' to mock Deputy CM Shinde, implying betrayal. The video of this performance quickly went viral, leading to severe backlash from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Members of Shiv Sena vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and Hotel Unicontinental, where the club is located, on Sunday night. The party's youth wing, Yuva Sena, also staged protests, burning Kamra's photographs and demanding his arrest.
Legal Actions and Political Reactions
Following a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 353(1)(b) – Statements conducing to public mischief, and Section 356(2) – Defamation. Shiv Sena leaders accused Kamra of being a "hired comedian" paid by the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned that Kamra would be "chased throughout the country" and "forced to flee India."
Closure of the Habitat Comedy Club
In response to the vandalism, the Habitat Comedy Club announced its temporary closure. In a statement posted on its official Instagram handle, the club expressed shock and concern over the recent acts of vandalism targeting them. They emphasized that artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices and that the venue has never been involved in the content performed by any artist. The club stated, "We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy."
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