Thu Jun 12 14:01:19 UTC 2025: **Headline: BJP-Aligned Official Seeks Removal of Rapper’s Song from University Syllabus**
**Kozhikode, India – June 12, 2025:** A controversy has erupted at the University of Calicut after a Syndicate member, A.K. Anuraj, aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanded the removal of a song by Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, from the undergraduate Malayalam Language and Literature syllabus.
In a letter to Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran, Anuraj cited Murali’s recent arrest in a drug-related case and his detention by the Kerala Forest department for allegedly possessing a leopard tooth. He argued that despite Murali being out on bail, including his song “Bhoomi njan vazhunnidam, anudinam narakamayi marunnidam” (The earth where I rule, is turning into hell everyday), in the course module “Introduction to Comparative Literature” alongside Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” sends a negative message.
The song, a commentary on global issues, is part of a module examining contemporary trends in literature. However, Anuraj criticized Murali’s alleged use of unparliamentary language in his songs and public appearances, as well as videos showing him consuming alcohol. He believes including Murali’s work would “question the culture of our country” and set a poor example for students, parents, and the academic community.
The University of Calicut has yet to issue a response to Anuraj’s request. The situation raises questions about artistic freedom and the influence of political affiliations on academic curriculum choices in India.
First Piper 