BJP Councillor petitions NIA seeking probe against rapper Vedan for insulting PM Modi

IANS May 23, 2025 364 views

A BJP councillor from Palakkad has approached the National Investigation Agency seeking a probe against rapper Vedan for allegedly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a song. Mini Krishnakumar argues that the rapper's lyrics are unacceptable and potentially divisive, despite claiming she supports creative freedom. Vedan, who has recently faced legal troubles including drug possession charges, has received support from left-wing political parties. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivities in India.

"Anyone demeaning our PM and addressing him as a fake nationalist through his songs is not acceptable" - Mini Krishnakumar, BJP Councillor
Palakkad, May 23: Palakkad BJP councillor Mini Krishnakumar has petitioned the National Investigating Agency and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to conduct a probe into how rapper Vedan insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in one of his songs.

Key Points

1

BJP councillor files complaint against rapper for allegedly insulting PM Modi

2

Vedan faces multiple legal challenges beyond musical controversy

3

Complaint claims potential division of Hindu social fabric

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Rapper previously arrested for drug possession

Krishnakumar has taken objection to Vedan's rap, which was released more than four years ago.

"We all are Indian citizens, and anyone demeaning our PM and addressing him as a fake nationalist through his songs is not acceptable at all," said Krishnakumar.

"How can someone address like this. A cultural person is also an influencer and he has lakhs of followers, and hence, such people should be careful to ensure that through such cultural exploits, wrong messages about the PM are not acceptable. Any attempt to divide Hindus is not good for a cultural person," added Krishnakumar.

She claimed that her complaint has the BJP's support.

Krishnakumar reiterated that she is not questioning creative freedom, but it should be within the basic tenets of accepted norms.

Vedan, 28, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, has been in the news for the wrong reason.

A local court in Perumbavoor granted bail to Vedan on April 30 in a case related to possessing a tiger's tooth.

A few days before this, he was taken into custody by the State Excise Department from his rented apartment in Kochi. During the raid, officials seized 6 grams of ganja, and Vedan admitted to having smoked it. He was granted bail the same day by the police.

Following his release, he got huge support from CPI-M-led Left Front and the Congress-led UDF leadership, who said he was being targeted.

The next public performance after his release evoked a massive response.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh P.
Freedom of expression doesn't mean freedom to insult. The PM represents our nation and such disrespectful content should be called out. But involving NIA seems excessive - local laws should handle this. 🤔
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Priya K.
This looks like political vendetta! The song is 4 years old - why react now? Artists should have creative freedom as long as they don't incite violence. The ganja case seems like a separate issue being mixed here.
A
Arjun M.
As a youth, I enjoy rap music but we must draw a line. Criticizing policies is fine, but personal attacks on elected leaders degrade our political culture. However, the timing does seem suspicious after his recent popularity.
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Sunita R.
The bigger issue is why political parties rush to support someone with drug charges just because he criticized BJP? We can't have double standards - either respect law or don't. This case has become too politicized.
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Vikram S.
Instead of focusing on old songs, our leaders should address real issues like inflation and unemployment. This feels like distraction politics. Let the courts handle the drug case separately.

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Tags:
BJP Vedan PM Modi National Investigation Agency Rap Music Kerala Politics Artistic Freedom