BJP leader files complaint against rapper Vedan over song 'targeting' PM Modi

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's popular rapper Hirandas Murali alias 'Vedan' continues to face the wrath of the BJP and Sangh Parivar forces as a local leader petitioned the Centre seeking action against him for insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The fresh move is sequel to the criticisms being raised by some Sangh Parivar leaders against Vedan as his popularity went up after he was booked by the Kerala forest authorities recently on charges of possessing leopard teeth. The ruling CPM and the Congress have been strongly backing him alleging of discrimination against him for being a dalit.

BJP Palakkad councillor Mini Krishnakumar had sent a petition to the union home ministry seeking action against Vedan for defamatory and divisive content against the Prime Minister in his song titled Voice of voiceless that was released around five years back.

She cited that certain portions of Vedan's song were aimed at insulting the Prime Minister and inciting social discord. The lyrics: 'nation is in the hands of one who wielded swords' and 'pseudo-nationalist' had irked the BJP leader.

She sought a probe by the NIA against Vedan for various offences including promoting enmity between various groups.

Criticising Vedan's song, Hindu Aikya Vedi leader K P Sasikala had said that the song did not represent the dalit culture. She also flayed the huge fanfare of Vedan despite being held with ganja before. RSS leaders also criticised Vedan openly.

The CPM and Congress are countering that the anti-dalit agenda of the Sangh Parivar was the reason for the moves against Vedan.