Thiruvananthapuram, 31 May(HS): The CPI(M), which claims to be the apostles of freedom of expression, showed to the world that the party’s right to freedom of speech and expression was meant only for the senior comrades and that too to suit their convenience.

The Kerala Government led by the CPI(M), summoned Dr N R Madhu, chief editor, of Kesari weekly, the official organ of the RSS, and warned him against criticizing “Vedan”, a rap music singer and a notorious drug pusher.

Vedan, whose original name is Hirandas Murali, had been arrested by the Kerala Police for illegal possession of cannabis last month. He was released on bail after being put behind bars for two days. The CPI(M) Kerala State Secretary, M V Govindan, warned the police and excise officials who arrested Vedan and were later accorded the status of State Guest to the controversial singer.

Dr Madhu, a Ph D in socio-cultural traditions of South India, said in a speech that singer Vedan was hand in glove with anti-national forces and Jihadists and was working against national interests. “The term Vedan stands for Lord Shiva and the singer is misusing the name as part of a hidden agenda chalked out by Jihadi elements and Maoists. I was pointing out the discrepancy in describing him as a member of the Vedan tribe, which has divinity associated with the term,” said Dr Madhu, after the questioning session by the police.

Hirandas Murali stocked a major controversy when he insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speeches. Mini Krishnakumar, a councillor of Palakkad Municipality, filed a police complaint against the singer for his speech filled with obscenities.

The complainant charged that the singer under the pretext of criticizing the Prime Minister, was abusing and humiliating him in a language which is unacceptable to the general public. The Maoists, the jihadists and the Marxists have come together to support Vedan even as police are probing the matter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti