TM Krishna to perform in Delhi today

Carnatic 'ragas' will pour in the national capital on Saturday evening when unconventional musician T M Krishna will perform on a Delhi government invitation after Airports Authority of India (AAI) withdrew its invitation to him.

After the AAI withdrawal following right-wing trolls objected to it, Krishna had said that he was willing to perform in Delhi on the same day if somebody could organise one.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced Delhi government's invitation to Krishna, saying no artist should be denied an opportunity to perform. Krishna has ruffled many feathers inside and outside music world over his views.

"All are cordially invited. If you believe in an inclusive India, an India which belongs to all religions, faiths and castes, your presence tomorrow (Saturday) will be a statement against those forces who are trying to divide and destroy our beloved India," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted on Friday. Krishna tweeted, "hope to see you (Delhiites) tomorrow."

Initially, AAI and Spic-Macay were to jointly organise the music concert at Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri. Now, Krishna will perform at the event -- 'Awam ki Awaz' -- hosted by the Delhi government at the Garden of Five Senses in Saidul Ajaib Village, near south Delhi's Saket.

A controversy erupted after AAI's withdrawal following the campaign against it for hosting the vocalist. A Magsaysay award winner, Krishna was called an "urban Naxal" and "a converted bigot" by the protesters. The event was jointly organised by AAI and cultural organisation Spic Macay. They had said they did not cancel it but "postponed" the event.

After the troll campaign, AAI informed Spic-Macay that the event had to be postponed due to "some internal challenges within AAI".