Story perspectives

Pulkit Mani Cancels Shows After Modi Mimicry Threats

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 10:06 AM UTC · How we work

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Threat Driven Cancellations

Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj student event in Indore on September 19, 2026.
The cancellations in Uttar Pradesh were attributed by Mani to repeated threats from goon activists, raising artistic-freedom concerns and accusing Gandhi of providing the platform.
Mohan Yadav called Gandhi’s attitude shameful, saying the performance insulted mothers and demanding an apology.

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Party Labeled Jokers

Comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Minister Narendra Modi at Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore on September 19, 2026.
BJP leaders, with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, branded Congress a party of jokers and urged Rahul Gandhi to quit politics.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju posted on X that Congress is “out forever…RIP” and a “party of jokers.”
Pulkit Mani cancelled his Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur shows, citing threats after controversy.

History

Historical Context

In September 2012, cartoonist Aseem Trivedi was arrested on sedition charges for his “Cartoons Against Corruption,” prompting a free-speech outcry and bail on a Rs 5,000 bond. The case revived criticism of colonial-era Section 124A. On 19 September 2026, comedian Pulkit Mani’s Modi impersonation at Rahul Gandhi’s Indore rally again drew legal threats and BJP denunciations, highlighting the enduring clash between authority and satire.

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Threat Driven Cancellations

Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rahul Gandhi’s Chhatron Ki Goonj student event in Indore on September 19, 2026.
The cancellations in Uttar Pradesh were attributed by Mani to repeated threats from goon activists, raising artistic-freedom concerns and accusing Gandhi of providing the platform.
Mohan Yadav called Gandhi’s attitude shameful, saying the performance insulted mothers and demanding an apology.

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