Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday criticized the Maharashtra government for summoning comedian Kunal Kamra over alleged insults toward a "traitor" while taking no action against actor Rahul Solapurkar for remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the Budget session, Thackeray also took aim at the BJP’s 'Saugat-e-Modi' outreach program for Muslim families.

"You summon Kunal Kamra twice for insulting a traitor but don’t summon Rahul Solapurkar even once," Thackeray remarked. Kamra was called in by Mumbai Police after his parody song targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led to an attack on a studio by Shinde’s supporters. The Shiv Sena (UBT) frequently refers to Shinde as a "traitor" for leading a rebellion in 2022 that split the party.

Solapurkar recently sparked controversy after stating in a podcast that Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra Fort by bribing Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s officials, rather than hiding in a basket of sweets as traditionally believed. Some right-wing groups objected to the use of the word "bribe." Regarding the 'Saugat-e-Modi' initiative, Thackeray pointed out the BJP’s shifting stance, saying, "When Shiv Sena gained strong Muslim support, they accused me of abandoning Hindutva and even coined terms like 'Satta-Jihad.' Now, those same people have changed their position."

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI