Fadnavis told Rahul Gandhi to leave Congress and try stand‑up comedy after a mimicry incident in Indore.
He added that Congress has become "unemployed" because of Gandhi, a claim that stoked further anger.
The Chhatron ki Goonj show, held on Saturday, featured comedian Pulkit Mani mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mani hugged Gandhi and repeated "my friend" while mocking an elderly mother, provoking a sharp reaction.
BJP leaders reacted harshly. Union Minister Piyush Goyal labeled the episode "Asanskari naraz fufa" on X, while Kiren Rijiju accused Congress of turning into a circus that entertains its dwindling supporters.
Fadnavis, a long‑time critic of the Congress, used the platform to highlight his frustration with the party's direction, claiming Gandhi's antics have stalled its progress.
The exchange has heightened tensions between the parties, with the BJP demanding a stricter stance on political satire and the Congress preparing to defend its members.