MK Stalin said 'narrow-minded politics' should not be 'mixed up with music' like mingling religious faith with politics.
Published Mar 23, 2024 | 4:43 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 23, 2024 | 4:43 PM
TM Krishna (X)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday, 23 March backed renowned Carnatic musician TM Krishna and said he is being targeted by a section of people for his progressive ideology.
The CM, in a post on social media, said: “It is regrettable that a section of people, due to hatred and with ulterior motives are criticising Krishna as he is continuously talking about the ordinary people and it is in the wake of his progressive political stand.”
Stalin backing the noted singer comes against the background of some Carnatic musicians opposing the “Sangita Kalanidhi” award announced days ago by The Music Academy for Krishna.
சிறந்த பாடகர் @tmkrishna அவர்கள் #TheMusicAcademy-இன் ‘சங்கீத கலாநிதி’ விருதுக்குத் தேர்வாகி இருப்பதற்கு எனது அன்பான வாழ்த்துகளையும் பாராட்டுகளையும் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.
திரு. கிருஷ்ணா அவர்கள் கொண்டுள்ள முற்போக்கு அரசியல் நிலைப்பாடுகளினாலும், அவர் எளியோரைப் பற்றித் தொடர்ந்து…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 23, 2024
Such musicians who opposed the award to Krishna had criticised Periyar EV Ramasamy and TM Krishna’s praise for him.
The Chief Minister, also the president of the ruling DMK, without directly referring to those opposing Krishna, said dragging Periyar into this controversy and castigating the reformist leader was not fair.
The CM lauded the office-bearers of The Music Academy for recognising Krishna. He extended his greetings to the vocalist for the award.
Asserting that Krishna’s talent cannot be disputed at all by any person, Stalin appealed that “narrow-minded politics” be not “mixed up with music” like mingling religious faith with politics.
DMK MP and sister of the chief minister too took to X on Thursday, 21 March to express her support to TM Krishna.
Speaking of the criticism against Periyar, the MP wrote, “A basic reading of Periyar’s ideas shows us that he is one of the greatest feminists the world has seen. He never called for a genocide. Maybe they don’t believe in freedom of thought and expression that our country believes in.”
Further attacking the Karnataka BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje, she said, “This hate, similar to the hate-filled speech given by the BJP politician in Karnataka recently.”
.@tmkrishna being recognised as Sangita Kalanidhi by the Music Academy has ruffled the feathers of parts of music fraternity.
The hate he is receiving for his social beliefs or his engagement with Periyar is uncalled for.
A basic reading of Periyar’s ideas shows us that he is…
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) March 21, 2024
Meanwhile, the state BJP chief Annamalai chose to stand with the musicians boycotting the Music Academy conference in opposition to TM Krishna.
Sharing the same on X, the BJP leader wrote: “The Music Academy, revered as the Temple of Carnatic Music and spiritual consciousness for more than nine decades, is under the threat of disintegration by divisive forces detrimental to the sanctity of the organisation.”
Announcing that the Tamil Nadu BJP stands in solidarity with all the artists opposing Krishna, he commented, “The last refuge for proponents of Defunct propaganda & ideology of hate & division cannot be the Temple of Carnatic Music!”
The Music Academy, revered as the Temple of Carnatic Music and spiritual consciousness for more than nine decades, is under the threat of disintegration by divisive forces detrimental to the sanctity of the organisation.@BJP4TamilNadu stands in solidarity with all the eminent…
— K.Annamalai (மோடியின் குடும்பம்) (@annamalai_k) March 22, 2024
(With PTI inputs)
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
