Kunal Kamra row: Shiva Sena functionary seeks complaint against comedian, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi

Shiv Sena seeks criminal complaint against Kunal Kamra, Rahul Gandhi, Aaditya Thackeray, and Sanjay Raut for defamation.

A Shiv Sena functionary has written to the Mumbai Police seeking a criminal complaint to be filed against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena UBT leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, after Kunal Kamra’s statements on Eknath Shinde.

Mr. Kamra’s latest stand-up, in which he has allegedly referred to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a ‘Gaddar’ (traitor), has drawn the ire of Shiv Sena party. Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde demanded Kamra’s arrest, while party workers went on to vandalise the hotel where Kamra’s video was recorded.

“I have reason to believe that the act committed by Mr. Kunal Kamra was pre-planned and executed in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy with Mr. Aaditya Thackeray, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, and Mr. Sanjay Raut. This conspiracy appears to be part of a systematic paid campaign aimed at maligning the reputation, image, and goodwill of Shri Eknath Shinde, a respected public figure and constitutional officeholder,” the letter written by Shiv Sena social media in-charge Rahool Kanal, stated.

“The coordinated nature of the attack, the timing of the event in Maharashtra (a politically sensitive region), the involvement of political figures known to oppose Shri Eknath Shinde’s party, and the endorsement by Mr. Sanjay Raut suggest a deliberate and orchestrated effort to defame him,” Mr. Kanal’s letter added.

Another Shiv Sena leader has posted a photo of Kunal Kamra and Sanjay Raut together, warning Kamra against such statements.