BJP Leader in Kerala Files Complaint Against Popular Rapper for Allegedly Defaming PM Modi

 Thiruvananthapuram: A woman leader of the BJP in Kerala has filed a complaint against rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, accusing him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a song.

Minimol also accused the rapper of promoting caste-based division through his music. In her complaint to the Union home ministry and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), she alleged that Vedan's songs contained defamatory remarks about Modi and used inflammatory language aimed at "dividing the Hindu community along caste lines."

Previously, Sasikala, a leader of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, had accused Vedan of creating divisions within the Hindu community. She argued that Vedan's rap songs had no connection to the SC/ST communities.

In response to this criticism, Vedan stated that the casteist remarks made by the Hindu Aikya Vedi leader as part of a broader attempt to portray him as "an extremist, a separatist, and a troublemaker." He expressed that individuals like her do not want young people from disadvantaged communities to pursue other avenues. "I don't have the voice to sing classical songs; otherwise, I would. I can only sing rap," he added.

Sangh Parivar's "discomfort" with Vedan

Many believe that Vedan’s songs highlight the caste discrimination, particularly in Kerala. They say the Sangh Parivar, which is laboriously building a "Vishal Hindu Unity", finds it detrimental to their objective.

Through his music, Vedan addresses issues of caste discrimination, bonded labour system, deprivation and the denial of rights due to untouchability, which were once prevalent in Kerala society.

Vedan's supporters argue that his songs reflect the pain of marginalised sections of society who have endured exploitation.

They claim that the intensity with which Vedan presents these issues, especially to the youth, is unprecedented. Many also believe that the anger suppressed in society against anti-social and caste based customs is manifesting through Vedan's performances, creating a sense of rebellion.

Sangh Parivar organisations contend that Vedan is attempting to promote violence by addressing caste issues. Recently, Madhu , the editor of ‘Kersari’, the Sangh Parivar's mouthpiece, stated that anti-national forces were behind Vedan and that he intended to spread chaos in the name of caste thereby destabilising the country. In the same speech, he made unfounded allegations against Muslims, prompting the Kerala police to file a case against him.

While Left parties led by the CPM and Congress have supported Vedan, BJP and Sangh outfits have unleashed a campaign against him on social media.

Last month Vedn and eight others were arrested after six grams of ganja were recovered from their apartment in Kochi. After coming out on bail, the rapper expressed regret for using drugs and narcotics, promising to be a better person in the future.

The CPM led state government has backed him fully and even organised his performance as part of the government's fourth anniversary celebrations.