Shiv Sena Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal wrote a letter to ticket booking platform BookMyShow and asked them not to sell any tickets for Comedian Kunal Kamra’s further shows. He made this appeal amid the ongoing controversy of Kunal Kamra. In his recent show named ‘Naya Bharat,’ which he performed at The Habitat in Mumbai, he called Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a gaddar (traitor). Kamra also said that Eknath Shinde stole someone’s father. In the show, he also took a swipe at other businessmen and politicians. After Kamra released this episode on YouTube, Shiv Sainiks got angry and vandalised The Habitat. Rahul Kanal and eleven others were arrested for destroying the property and were released on bail.
In his letter, Rahool wrote, “It has come to my notice that BookMyShow has previously facilitated ticket sales for shows featuring Mr. Kunal Karnra, an individual with a documented history of habitual criminal behavior. Mr. Kamra has been observed to engage in a sustained campaign of vilification and defamation, targeting the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers. Deputy Chief Ministers, and other public figures. These actions appear to be part of a broader criminal conspiracy, driven by ulterior motives that extend far beyond the realm of humor or satire.”
He said Kamra's premeditated, scripted, provocative, and malicious statements have consistently crossed ethical and legal boundaries. Kunal Kamra’s remarks not only hurt the public sentiments at large but also have the potential to incite public mischief and disrupt social harmony. He wrote that if BookMyShow provides a platform to him, then it inadvertently lends credibility and reach to an individual whose actions threaten public order, particularly in a vibrant and diverse city like Mumbai, where the company is headquartered.
Further mentioning about ticket sales of Kunal Kamra’s upcoming shows, he wrote, “In light of the above, I earnestly request that Big Tree Entertainment and BookMyShow refrain from publishing or promoting Mr. Kunal Kamra's shows on your platform moving forward. Continuing to facilitate ticket sales for his events could be perceived as an endorsement of his divisive rhetoric, which may have serious repercussions for public sentiment and order in the city.”
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He also said that the ticketing platform will give serious consideration and act in the larger interest of maintaining peace and harmony.
Mumbai Police has sent a summons to Kunal Kamra in this case, and he is expected to appear before them on April 5. The Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to Kunal Kamra till April 7. Recently, speaking about this to media officials, Rahool Kanal said that Kamra will be given a Shiv Sena-style welcome once he reaches Mumbai.