Controversy Erupts Over Kerala State Film Award to Vedan

Thiruvananthapuram: The best lyricist award given to Rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as “Vedan”, for a song by Manjummel Boys at the Kerala State Film Awards has sparked a huge controversy with many expressing their dissent on social media.

The backlash stems from the selection of Vedan, who is currently facing sexual harassment charges. Critics argue that this decision sends a negative message to society. Some also pointed out that previous films like Kammara Sambhav were overlooked for the award because the lead actor was an accused in a case of assault on an actor.

Feminists and women’s organizations were also criticized for remaining silent on the issue. The controversy coincides with the Kerala High Court relaxing Vedan’s bail conditions, allowing him to travel abroad for stage shows. Thrikkakkara police have already submitted their final report on the incident.

Many people also congratulated Vedan for winning the best songwriter award. Ernakulam Congress MP Hibi Eden posted a photo with Vedan on Facebook along with a congratulatory message.

Many disagreed, saying the rapper should come clean about the allegations.

Vedan’s songs target caste-based discrimination in society

Many of Vedan’s songs highlight the caste discrimination that exists in India, especially in Kerala. His supporters say the Sangh Parivar, which has laboriously built the “Vishal Hindu Unity”, finds his songs and lyrics counterproductive to their cause, hence their intolerance towards the rapper.

Through his music, Vedan passionately addresses the issues of caste discrimination, bonded labor system, denial of rights due to deprivation and untouchability, which were once prevalent in Kerala society. Vedan’s supporters argue that his songs reflect the pain of marginalized sections of society who are subjected to exploitation.

They claim that the intensity with which Vedan presents these issues, especially to young people, is unprecedented. Many people also believe that the pent-up anger in society against anti-social and caste-based traditions manifests in Vedan’s performances, creating a sense of rebellion.

However, Sangh Parivar organizations claim that Vedan is trying to incite violence by touching on caste issues. Recently, Sangh Parivar’s mouthpiece, Kesari’s editor Madhu, revealed that anti-national forces are behind Vedan and are planning to spread chaos in the name of caste, thereby destabilizing the country.

In the same speech, he made false allegations against Muslims, leading the Kerala police to file a case against him.

While Left parties led by CPM and Congress supported Vedan, BJP and Sangh groups launched a campaign against him on social media.

In April, Vedan and eight others were arrested after 6 grams of marijuana was seized from their flat in Kochi. The rapper, who was released on bail, expressed his regret for using drugs and narcotics and promised to be a better person in the future.

The CPM-led state government fully supported him and even organized a performance of him as part of the government’s fourth anniversary celebrations.