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Kerala's Satire Battle: How a Parody Song Sparks Congress vs. CPI(M) Clash

Congress leaders are fiercely criticizing a Kerala Police cyber case over a parody song about the Sabarimala gold heist. They argue it criminalizes satire and represents a severe intrusion on freedom of expression. The opposition accuses the ruling CPI(M) of adopting an intolerant stance that shames Kerala's progressive traditions. This has sparked a major political confrontation over democratic space in the state.

Key Points: Congress Slams Kerala Police Case on Sabarimala Parody Song

  • Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan calls the case an unprecedented assault on artistic freedom
  • Congress alleges CPI(M) is mirroring Sangh Parivar's intolerance of dissent
  • AICC's Venugopal pledges legal aid to the song's creator and criticizes the police action
  • MP Rajmohan Unnithan warns jails will fill if cases are filed against all who shared the song
3 min read

Congress mounts attack on cyber police case over Sabarimala parody song

Congress leaders V.D. Satheesan and K.C. Venugopal condemn the cyber police case against a Sabarimala gold heist parody song as an attack on free expression.

"Those who turned that alleged plunder into a song are now being portrayed as offenders who hurt belief. – K.C. Venugopal"

Kochi, Dec 18

The registration of a case by the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Wing of the Kerala Police over a widely circulated parody song on the alleged Sabarimala gold heist implicating the CPI(M) and its comrades has triggered strong reactions from Congress leaders, who have described the action as an unprecedented assault on freedom of expression and cultural dissent.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan termed the case "unheard of", asserting that the parody song did not hurt the religious sentiments of anyone.

He said criminalising satire and artistic expression amounted to a direct intrusion into freedom of expression.

Drawing a parallel with developments elsewhere in the country, Satheesan alleged that the CPI-M in Kerala was adopting the same intolerant approach as the Sangh Parivar.

Such a stance, he said, was an embarrassment to Kerala, which has long prided itself on its progressive and democratic traditions.

The Chief Minister, he added, should bow his head in shame before the cultural community for allowing what he described as an attack on artistic freedom.

AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal also came out strongly against the police action.

He said he had spoken over the phone to G.P. Kunjabdulla, the creator of the parody song that has found wide resonance across the state, and conveyed his appreciation for the lyrics, which he said struck a chord with the public.

Venugopal assured the lyricist of all legal assistance from the Congress in facing the case.

Taking the argument further, Venugopal said that those allegedly involved in the looting of gold linked to the Sabarimala temple continue to enjoy power and positions within the ruling party.

Such acts, he argued, were what truly wounded religious faith.

"Those who turned that alleged plunder into a song are now being portrayed as offenders who hurt belief,”"he said, describing the episode as a stark illustration of state intimidation and the CPI(M)’s growing intolerance of dissent and satire.

Congress Lok Sabha member Rajmohan Unnithan warned that if action were initiated against everyone who shared the parody song, Kerala's jails would not have enough space to accommodate those arrested.

His remark underlined the Opposition’s charge that the police action was excessive and untenable.

Together, the statements from senior Congress leaders mark a concerted pushback against the cyber police case, framing it as a threat to free expression and a troubling signal for democratic space in Kerala.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's fascinating to see the political dynamics here. The Congress accusing the CPI(M) of being intolerant like the Sangh Parivar is a strong charge. It shows how the lines between "secular" and "communal" politics can blur when power is at stake.
P
Priya S
Fully agree with Satheesan sir! Kerala has always been a land of progressive thought and artistic freedom. Filing a cyber case for a parody song? Really? This is an embarrassment. The government is scared because the song has struck a chord with the common people. 👏
R
Rahul R
While I support freedom of expression, we must also be careful. Sabarimala is a deeply sensitive issue for millions. The line between political satire and hurting religious sentiments can be thin. Perhaps the police could have issued a warning instead of a full case?
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Anjali F
Unnithan's point about jails not having enough space is spot on! The song is viral. Are they going to arrest half of Kerala? This is pure intimidation by the ruling party to silence criticism. The real crime is the alleged looting of the temple's wealth, not singing about it.
K
Karthik V
It's ironic. The same leaders who are now champions of free speech have been silent or supportive when similar actions were taken by other governments. Political hypocrisy at its best. The focus should remain on finding the truth behind the gold heist.

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