Pulkit Mani Controversy - Modi Mimicry Sparks Political Row

Stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani has come under criticism following his performance alongside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore on September 19. Mani mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the programme, triggering a political controversy, with BJP leaders criticising the act and Congress maintaining that it was a satirical performance.

The controversy intensified after Mani announced the cancellation of his Noida show, initially citing “unforeseen circumstances”. He later said his Lucknow and Kanpur shows were also cancelled, attributing the decision to what he described as repeated threats. Meanwhile, a post by a self-described 20-year-old first-time Gen Z voter circulated online, claiming that the controversy had changed the user’s intended voting choice from Rahul Gandhi to Narendra Modi. The post has further fuelled discussion over political satire, public performances and their potential impact on public perception. The voting claim is an individual social-media post and does not establish a broader shift in voter opinion.