‘I believe in the politics of Ambedkar’: Vedan’s strong rebuttal to RSS magazine editor

Kollam: Rapper Vedan has hit back at accusations made by Dr N.R. Madhu, the editor-in-chief of Kesari, the official mouthpiece of the RSS, who claimed that Vedan’s songs promote caste-based extremism.

Responding to media queries, Vedan dismissed the remarks with a touch of irony, saying, “Isn’t that just comedy?” He was addressing Dr Madhu's recent controversial comments made during a temple event near Kundara in Kollam.

Vedan defended his work and political stance, saying, “I believe in the politics of Ambedkar, which upholds equality for all living beings. I’ve heard such criticisms before—this is nothing new. People have long been saying I’m some sort of hardcore separatist.”

The rapper further clarified that he sees no reason for concern in such labels, adding, “I don’t know why they say things like this. If the work we do is reaching people somewhere, I consider that a good thing.”

When confronted with Dr Madhu’s statement that Vedan should not be permitted to perform in temples, Vedan was unfazed. “I’ll get shows in temples no matter what—and I will keep singing,” he said confidently.

Dr Madhu had earlier alleged that Vedan's songs were divisive in nature and even suggested that sponsors backing Vedan harboured dreams of national disintegration. “This is a kind of performance art that injects poison into the minds of the younger generation,” he claimed. He also called for a ban on such performers from entering temple premises.

The remarks have sparked debate over artistic freedom and caste discourse in cultural spaces, with Vedan’s supporters rallying behind him on social media and beyond.