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Shiv Sena’s strong response to Kamra’s “gaddar” comment aims to boost Eknath Shinde’s leadership ahead of upcoming BMC and local body elections, following his denial of the CM post, according to Mahayuti sources.
In the world of politics, every action and reaction is often more than it appears on the surface. Recently, the Shiv Sena’s fiery response to comedian Kunal Kamra’s “gaddar” (traitor) comment is being seen as a calculated move to consolidate power and assert the leadership of Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra Chief Minister. According to sources within the Mahayuti alliance, this belligerent reaction is not just about the controversy itself but also a part of the larger strategy to project Shinde as a leader ahead of the crucial elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other local bodies.
The controversy started when Kunal Kamra, known for his controversial comedy and outspoken views, referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” during a comedy show. Kamra’s remarks were aimed at Shinde’s defection from the Shiv Sena and his subsequent alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that led to him becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde. Kamra’s “gaddar” comment, meaning “traitor,” was a sharp critique of Shinde’s shift in loyalty from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to the BJP.
While Kamra’s comment was, in many ways, a typical part of his comedy routine, it triggered a belligerent response from the Shiv Sena, particularly its leadership under Shinde. Shiv Sena, which had once been Uddhav Thackeray’s party, quickly swung into action, condemning Kamra’s remarks and defending Shinde’s political choices. This reaction was seen as a strong signal from Shinde’s faction of the party, signaling their readiness to confront any challenge to their authority, whether from comedians, critics, or rival political forces.
Eknath Shinde’s rise to the position of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has been anything but smooth. Shinde, a senior leader from the Shiv Sena, became the CM after a controversial rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. His defection to the BJP was marked by significant tension within the Shiv Sena, with Uddhav Thackeray accusing him of betrayal. However, Shinde’s leadership has managed to hold strong, and his faction of the Shiv Sena now controls the party’s machinery and most of its organizational structure.
For Eknath Shinde, the political stakes are high. His leadership has faced significant opposition not only from the Thackeray family but also from the Congress and NCP, which are part of the MVA alliance. Additionally, Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena has to contend with challenges posed by the opposition parties and critics, especially ahead of the upcoming BMC elections, where control over Mumbai is at stake.
According to sources within the Mahayuti, the Shiv Sena’s response to Kamra is part of a larger strategy to project Eknath Shinde as the uncontested leader of the party, especially with the BMC elections on the horizon. The Shiv Sena’s reaction was not just an emotional response to Kamra’s words, but a calculated political move to shore up Shinde’s standing within the party and among his supporters.
Shiv Sena, once a dominant force in Mumbai’s politics, has had a stronghold on the BMC for decades. The upcoming elections to the municipal body are seen as crucial for both the BJP and the Shiv Sena, as control of Mumbai’s civic body is a powerful position that comes with significant financial and political influence. For Eknath Shinde faction, securing a strong showing in these elections is critical to solidifying their power within Maharashtra and ensuring their relevance in the state’s political landscape.
Moreover, Shinde’s leadership is still being tested, particularly after the denial of the Chief Minister’s post to Uddhav Thackeray. The fact that Shinde has become CM despite his rebellion has made him a target of criticism from within his own party as well as from the opposition. By taking a firm stand against Kamra’s remark, Shinde is sending a message that he will not back down from defending his position, whether in the face of political criticism or public mockery.
In the run-up to the elections for BMC and other local bodies, the Shiv Sena is trying to maintain its image as a unified force. The party’s leadership has always been closely tied to the Thackeray family, and the recent rebellion by Shinde created a significant rift within the organization. However, with the BMC elections coming up, both factions of the Shiv Sena are looking to consolidate their support base and project themselves as the true representatives of the party’s legacy.
Shinde’s actions, including his reaction to Kamra’s comment, reflect a deeper strategy aimed at asserting his leadership not just in Maharashtra’s political arena but also in the hearts and minds of Shiv Sena supporters. The belligerence shown towards Kamra’s jibe may have been driven by a need to reassert his authority and remind voters that Shinde remains committed to the party’s core principles.
The Shiv Sena’s forceful response to Kunal Kamra’s “gaddar” jibe signals more than just a defense of Eknath Shinde’s political position; it is part of a broader strategy to enhance his standing within the party as elections approach. The BMC and local body elections will test Shinde’s ability to command support and present himself as a strong leader. For now, Shinde is showing that he is willing to confront any challenge to his leadership—whether it comes from comedians or political opponents—making it clear that he is ready to fight for both his position and the future of the Shiv Sena.
Read Also : Uddhav Thackeray Backs Kunal Kamra: “Freedom of Expression Not a Crime, Calling a Traitor Justified 2025
