Kerala BJP leader seeks action against rapper Vedan for defaming PM Modi in song
A woman leader of the BJP from Palakkad, Kerala, has lodged a formal complaint against rapper and songwriter Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, alleging that his music defames Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promotes caste-based divisions.Palakkad Municipality councillor VS Minimol, who also serves as the chairperson of its development committee, has written to the Union Home Ministry and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), seeking action against the artist.advertisementShe claimed that one of Vedan's songs contains defamatory references to the Prime Minister and inflammatory language that could divide the Hindu community along caste lines. 'The artist has made unsubstantiated, disrespectful and offensive remarks about the Prime Minister, which not only malign his personal and political image but also undermine the dignity of the highest constitutional office in the country,' Minimol stated in her complaint, which was filed two days ago.
According to her, the song includes a direct mention of 'Modi' during a live public performance. She contended that this disrespects the office of the Prime Minister and fosters public discord. The complaint also refers to Vedan's prior legal entanglements, including his arrest on April 28 in connection with a drug case in Tripunithura, near Kochi.Minimol further alleged that although Vedan is currently out on bail, he continues to organise large-scale concerts that draw significant crowds and, she claimed, incite violence and hatred. She has requested a thorough investigation for defamation, promoting enmity between groups, and causing public mischief. Additionally, she has urged the application of relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.advertisementNo official statement has yet been made by Vedan or his representatives in response to the complaint.The BJP leader's move follows a series of critical remarks by other Sangh Parivar figures. Hindu Aikyavedi leader KP Sasikala, speaking at an event in Palakkad on Wednesday, accused Vedan of humiliating society with his 'improperly dressed antics' and said it was time to put an end to his public appearances. She also questioned the relevance of rap music within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community.Responding to these comments, Vedan argued that Sasikala's allegedly casteist views were part of a larger campaign to portray him as 'an extremist, a separatist, or a troublemaker.' He criticised her for implying that rap music has no place within the SC/ST community and said such attitudes seek to confine members of these communities to limited roles.'I don't have the voice to sing classical songs, if I did, I would. I can only sing rap,' Vedan told reporters in Kochi on Thursday.
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