Story perspectives

BJP Backlash Leads Comedian Pulkit Mani to Cancel Shows

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 4:10 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Comedian Pulkit Mani cancelled shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur after BJP backlash.
The mimicry occurred on 19 September 2026 at Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” in Indore, where Mani said, “Maa ko kursi do, maa.”
Mani first cited “unforeseen circumstances” then blamed “repeated threats from goon activists” for the cancellations.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal called the act cheap political theatre and attacked Rahul Gandhi on X.
BJP leaders Kiren Rijiju and Pushkar Singh Dhami said the performance disrespected Modi’s late mother.

History

Historical Context

In June 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi invoked Articles 352 and 356 to impose a 21-month Emergency, during which over 100,000 opponents and journalists were detained and many films and sketches were banned. The pattern resurfaced in September 2026 when BJP-aligned leaders, including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, condemned comedian Pulkit Mani’s satire of Rahul Gandhi, prompting show cancellations in Uttar Pradesh cities.

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Story summary

Comedian Pulkit Mani cancelled shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur after BJP backlash.
The mimicry occurred on 19 September 2026 at Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” in Indore, where Mani said, “Maa ko kursi do, maa.”
Mani first cited “unforeseen circumstances” then blamed “repeated threats from goon activists” for the cancellations.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal called the act cheap political theatre and attacked Rahul Gandhi on X.
BJP leaders Kiren Rijiju and Pushkar Singh Dhami said the performance disrespected Modi’s late mother.

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