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

NEW DELHI: A BJP leader from Palakkad has lodged an official complaint against noted rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali), alleging that his music defames Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promotes caste divisions.

VS Minimol, who serves as Municipal Councillor and Development Committee Chairperson at Palakkad Municipality, has sent letters to the Union home ministry and NIA seeking action against the artist.

The complaint states that Vedan's song contains derogatory content about the Prime Minister and uses provocative language that could cause caste-based divisions within the Hindu community.

"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 said in the complaint, filed two days ago.

She pointed out that during a live performance, the song directly references "Modi", which she considers disrespectful to the Prime Minister's office and potentially incites public hatred.

The complaint references Vedan's previous legal troubles, including his arrest on April 28 regarding a drug case in Tripunithura, near Kochi.

Additionally, it states that despite being released on bail, the rapper continues organising large concerts where he allegedly promotes violence and hatred amongst audiences.

Minimol has sought investigation under various IPC sections covering defamation, group enmity promotion, and public mischief. She also requested consideration of relevant Information Technology Act provisions.

Vedan and his team have not yet issued any official statement regarding these allegations. This complaint follows recent criticisms of Vedan from Sangh Parivar leaders.

At a Palakkad event on Wednesday, Hindu Aikyavedi leader K P Sasikala criticised Vedan's "improperly dressed antics" as societal humiliation and called for their cessation.

She also questioned rap music's relevance to the SC/ST community.

Responding to these allegations, Vedan stated that Sasikala's purportedly casteist comments were attempts to label him as "an extremist, a separatist, or a troublemaker."

He added that Sasikala's remarks about rap music's irrelevance to SC/ST communities exemplified the mindset of those who wish to restrict these communities' creative pursuits.

"I don't have the voice to sing classical songs-if I did, I would. I can only sing rap," he told reporters in Kochi on Thursday.