Palakkad, Kerala: A BJP municipal councillor from Kerala has filed a formal complaint against prominent rapper and songwriter Hirandas Murali, popularly known by his stage name Vedan, accusing him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and using his music to stir caste-based divisions.
VS Minimol, who serves as the chairperson of the development committee in Palakkad Municipality, has submitted the complaint to both the Union Home Ministry and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), alleging that one of Vedan’s songs contains derogatory remarks about PM Modi and language intended to divide the Hindu community along caste lines.
“The artist has made baseless, offensive, and defamatory statements about the Prime Minister. Such acts not only damage his reputation but also compromise the integrity of the highest constitutional office,” Minimol stated in the complaint, according to PTI.
She further claimed that Vedan promotes caste-based enmity and public disorder through his music and live performances. Minimol also highlighted Vedan’s recent arrest in a drug-related case in Tripunithura on April 28. Although he is currently out on bail, she expressed concern over his continued public concerts, alleging that they incite hatred and unrest.
The BJP leader urged authorities to investigate Vedan under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including defamation and promoting enmity between different groups, as well as relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
As of now, neither Vedan nor his representatives have issued any response to the allegations.
The complaint adds to a series of recent criticisms of Vedan. Hindu Aikyavedi leader KP Sasikala also condemned the rapper, calling his performances “indecent” and questioning the relevance of rap music to the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities.
In response, Vedan dismissed Sasikala’s remarks as casteist and an attempt to paint him as a threat to society. He stated that such comments reveal a deeper bias, where individuals from marginalised communities are discouraged from expressing themselves through unconventional art forms like rap.
The incident has reignited debates on freedom of expression, caste, and representation in the arts, particularly in Kerala’s evolving music and cultural landscape.
