Comedian Pulkit Mani cancels Uttar Pradesh shows after threats over Modi impersonation

Comedian Pulki Mani used his Instagram platform to announce the cancellation of his upcoming performances in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur, attributing the decision to threats from goon activists. The cancellations come after a video posted by the Congress on X showed Mani impersonating Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Rahul Gandhi's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. In the sketch, Mani hugged Gandhi and delivered a satirical line that prompted a sharp reaction from the ruling BJP.

Union minister Piyush Goyal labeled the Congress a "circus" and derided Gandhi, while fellow minister Kiren Rijiju accused the party of turning into a comedy act. The controversy highlights tensions between political satire and party sensitivities, with the comedian facing pressure to withdraw from scheduled shows in Uttar Pradesh.