Shiv Sena workers ransacked Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club, forcing it to shut down indefinitely after comedian Kunal Kamra’s stand-up act, ‘Naya Bharat,’ sparked outrage. The uproar began when Kamra sharply criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling him a ‘gaddar’ (traitor). The clip went viral, igniting outrage among Shiv Sena loyalists, who stormed the club in protest.
From Joke to Chaos: How It Unfolded
Kamra, known for his fearless political satire, performed a set that ridiculed the breakaway factions of Shiv Sena and NCP, implying Shinde had set a trend of betrayal. His remarks hit a nerve. Within hours, Shiv Sena workers descended on the venue, vandalizing the premises.
Amid the chaos, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a police complaint, accusing Kamra of defaming the Deputy CM. Meanwhile, party MP Naresh Mhaske issued a direct threat, warning Kamra that he would be “chased across the country” and “forced to flee India.”
Habitat Comedy Club: Caught in the Crossfire
The comedy club, now at the center of the storm, condemned the violence but found itself cornered.
“We are shocked, worried, and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us,” Habitat said in a statement. “We support creative dialogue and provide a platform for artists. However, violence and destruction undermine the spirit of art and free speech.”
Fearing further attacks, the venue announced its shutdown:
“We are closing our doors until we can figure out how to continue supporting free expression without risking our safety.”
Political Firestorm
The incident quickly snowballed into a political showdown. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of being a “contract comedian” hired by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to attack Shinde.
On the other side, Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) lashed out at the vandalism, calling it a “cowardly act” and questioning the state’s law and order.
Habitat’s Troubled Past
This isn’t the first time Habitat Comedy Club has faced controversy. Earlier, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia sparked outrage during a show at the venue with remarks about ‘parents’ sex,’ triggering multiple complaints and police action.
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The Bigger Picture: Is Free Speech Under Attack?
With yet another attack on artistic expression, Mumbai’s comedy scene is at a crossroads. Can comedians continue to challenge authority, or is this the beginning of an era of censorship and intimidation? One thing is certain—satire in India is no laughing matter anymore.
