Political Satire Backlash
Comedian Pulkit Mani cancels UP shows following political satire skit backlash
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Key Points
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After announcing the cancellations, Pulkit Mani shared a meme saying, “Ab underground hone ka samay aa gaya hai” (“The time has come to go underground now”), followed by a message saying he was “disheartened” but still hopeful.
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The skit included a scripted exchange in which Mani, after hugging Rahul Gandhi, said, “My friend. How are you?” Gandhi replied, “I’m fine; how are you, Modi ji?” Mani then said, “Maa ko kursi do, maa” (“Give Mother a chair, Mother”), pointing toward the audience.
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The Congress posted the performance video on X with the caption, “My friend!! Great Harassment!!” — a reference to the mannerisms and phrasing Mani was portraying in the act.
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The BJP described the episode in sharply dismissive terms, with leaders Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of turning politics into a “circus.”
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The student-focused Indore programme was presented by Congress leaders as being centered on education, employment and other concerns affecting young people, rather than solely on the performance that later triggered the controversy.
Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani canceled three shows across Uttar Pradesh after performing a political satire skit mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Congress event in Indore. Economic Times reports Mani cited "repeated threats from goon activists" for canceling performances in Noida, Lucknow, and Kanpur. The move came after the Congress posted video of the act on social media, triggering backlash from BJP leaders who accused the party and Rahul Gandhi of disrespect.
Mani shared a meme saying "The time has come to go underground now," expressing that he felt "disheartened" but remained hopeful. The controversy highlights tensions over political satire in India, with BJP and Congress leaders trading sharp accusations over what the skit actually portrayed.
What Happened at the Indore Event
At the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" student-focused program in Indore, Pulkit Mani performed alongside Rahul Gandhi. Daily Pioneer reports the skit included Mani hugging Gandhi and saying, "My friend. How are you?" Gandhi replied, "I'm fine; how are you, Modi ji?" Mani then said, "Give Mother a chair, Mother," pointing to the audience.
The Congress presented the event as centered on youth concerns like education and employment. New Indian Express notes the Congress later posted the performance video on X with the caption "My friend!! Great Harassment!!" — referencing Mani's mimicry style — which amplified the controversy.
BJP Demands Apology Over 'Disrespectful' Skit
BJP leaders condemned the performance sharply. Rediff reports senior leaders Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju accused Rahul Gandhi and Congress of turning politics into a "circus." Some BJP figures alleged the skit mocked Modi's late mother and demanded a public apology from Gandhi and the party.
The Congress rejected those claims entirely. Party leaders insisted the act did not mock Modi's mother and framed it as legitimate political humor and mimicry. They stood by the performance as satire and refused to apologize.
Comedian Pulls Shows Amid Safety Concerns
Pulkit Mani initially cited "unforeseen circumstances" for canceling the Noida show. Deccan Chronicle reports he later revealed Lucknow and Kanpur cancellations were due to "repeated threats from goon activists." The comedian did not specify who made the threats or provide further details about their nature.
In response, Mani posted a meme saying "Ab underground hone ka samay aa gaya hai" — Hindi for "The time has come to go underground now." He told followers he was "disheartened" by the situation but expressed hope, suggesting he would continue performing despite the backlash and safety concerns.
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