Pulkit Mani peddles victim card after mocking PM Narendra Modi, claims UP shows cancelled over threats

Pukit Mani with Rahul Gandhi (Image via Aaj Tak)

On 20th September, comedian Pulkit Mani announced the cancellation of his upcoming shows in Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur following the political controversy over his mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a Congress event in Indore.

Mani announced the cancellations through posts on Instagram on Sunday. His Noida show was cancelled citing “unforeseen circumstances”, while he later peddled the victim card and said that his Lucknow and Kanpur shows were cancelled due to what he described as repeated threats.

“I regret to inform you that my Noida show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and support,” Mani said in an Instagram statement.

In another statement, he said, “Due to repeated threats, my Lucknow and Kanpur shows are cancelled.”

Pulkit Mani’s Modi mimicry at Rahul Gandhi event

The controversy began after Mani performed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday, 19th September.

During the event, Mani performed a political satire act in which he mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Rahul Gandhi joined him on stage. The comedian imitated several of Modi’s well-known mannerisms, including his use of the phrase “my friend”, his style of interacting with foreign leaders and his diplomatic hugs.

During the mock conversation, Mani said, “My friend, how are you?” Rahul Gandhi responded, “I’m fine, how are you, Modi ji?” Mani then replied, “Great harassment,” while continuing to repeat the phrase “my friend” and exaggerating Modi’s mannerisms.

Rahul Gandhi smiled during the performance and told Mani, “Very nice to meet you,” before asking him to “tell me more.”

The act also included a reference to Modi helping an elderly woman. Mani said, “Maa ko kursi do, maa,” while imitating the Prime Minister, followed by, “Setting, my friend.” The comedian also referred to Galgotias University and the controversy involving a Chinese humanoid robot showcased by the university at the India Global AI Summit.

Mani further used a physical prop to recreate a coin trick associated with Modi’s interaction with children. He placed a coin on his forehead during the performance.

BJP leaders attack Congress over performance

BJP leaders criticised the performance, targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over Mani’s act.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal described Rahul Gandhi as an “Asanskari naraz fufa (uncultured disgruntled uncle)” in a post on X.

“The irony writes itself. The need to come on stage every now and then just to drag Prime Minister Modi ji’s name into cheap political theatre never fails to amaze me. Look in the mirror, Mr Rahul Gandhi,” Goyal wrote.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the Congress after reacting to a video of the performance the party shared.

“I hadn’t imagined that a party which was in power for nearly six decades would turn into such a circus who are busy entertaining their own shrunk supporters,” Rijiju wrote. He added, “Congress party has become a party of comedians and Jokers! They are out forever…. RIP.”

Written by OpIndia Staff
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