Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool N Kanal has urged online ticketing platform BookMyShow to stop selling tickets for comedian Kunal Kamra’s shows, citing concerns that his content could hurt public sentiment. Kanal wrote a letter to BookMyShow on April 2, highlighting what he described as Kamra’s “habitual offensive behavior.”
Kanal’s Objection to Kamra’s Content
In his letter, Kanal accused Kamra of running a “vilification campaign” against key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He warned that Kamra’s remarks could provoke public outrage and disrupt social harmony, particularly in Mumbai.
“These actions appear to be part of a broader criminal conspiracy, driven by motives that extend far beyond humor or satire,” Kanal stated in the letter.
Request to BookMyShow
Kanal asserted that continuing to facilitate ticket sales for Kamra’s shows could be perceived as an endorsement of his “divisive rhetoric.” He urged BookMyShow and its parent company, Big Tree Entertainment, to refrain from publishing or promoting Kamra’s events.
“I earnestly request that you refrain from publishing or promoting Mr. Kamra’s shows on your platform. 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,” he wrote.
Kunal Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ Controversy
Kunal Kamra has been at the center of controversy following the release of his comedy special Naya Bharat on YouTube on March 24. The uproar stems from a song he performed during the show, allegedly calling Eknath Shinde a “traitor.”
Following the release, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the venue where the special was recorded, and a defamation case was filed against Kamra. In addition, two more cases have been registered against him.
Legal Proceedings Against Kamra
The Madras High Court has granted Kamra interim protection from arrest, but he has been summoned thrice by Mumbai Police for questioning in connection with the case.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen whether BookMyShow will respond to Kanal’s request and take down Kamra’s shows from its platform.
Sources By Agencies