Kunal Kamra row: Rahool Kanal latest firebrand Shiv Sena worker to defend Eknath Shinde

NEW DELHI: Rahool Kanal is the general secretary of the Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) and a close associate of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde. Kanal has been actively involved in youth politics and has gained prominence for his vocal stance on various political issues in Maharashtra.
Recently, he made headlines for his strong remarks against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, following the latter’s alleged comments on Eknath Shinde. Kanal issued a stern warning to Kamra, stating, "Abhi tak toh ye trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai."
The controversy escalated when Kanal and his party workers allegedly vandalized the Habitat stand-up comedy set in Mumbai during a live performance by comedian Rajat Sood.
Following this, an FIR was registered against Kanal and 19 others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as the Maharashtra Police Act. According to police reports, members of the Shinde Sena youth faction stormed the venue, forced the ongoing show to be stopped, and vandalized the property.
Kanal defended his actions, stating that the protest was not about breaking the law but about self-respect and standing up for elders and respectable citizens. He also claimed that the incident was part of a "paid conspiracy" and that the Mumbai police would uncover the truth behind it.
A staunch supporter of Eknath Shinde, Rahool Kanal has been instrumental in mobilizing the youth wing of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
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He has often taken aggressive stands on issues concerning his party and has played a key role in defending the leadership of Eknath Shinde against criticism. His actions and statements continue to keep him in the political spotlight, particularly in Maharashtra’s charged political environment.