NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Tourism Minister and Shiv Sena leader Shambhuraj Desai has urged the police to arrest comedian Kunal Kamra, warning against testing the patience of party workers.
The controversy erupted after Shiv Sena workers vandalized a Mumbai studio on Sunday night, where Kamra had recorded his show. They expressed anger over his parody song, which criticized Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena President Eknath Shinde.
Desai’s Warning to the Police
Speaking to reporters, Desai emphasized that party workers had remained patient due to Shinde’s instructions. However, he cautioned that they could take matters into their own hands if necessary. “We know how to find him, but as ministers, we have certain limitations,” Desai stated. He urged the police to act swiftly, adding, “Don’t test our patience. Arrest him from wherever he is hiding.”
Background of the Dispute
Kamra performed a parody of a popular song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, using the term gaddar (traitor), seemingly directed at Shinde. Following the performance, Shinde-led Shiv Sena activists vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar. Several individuals were arrested but later released on bail.
Subsequently, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a complaint against Kamra, leading to an FIR over alleged defamatory remarks about Shinde.
