Political row after street performer ‘heckled' for singing ‘Allah Ke Bande' on Tripurasundari Temple premises
Tripura's Opposition CPM and ruling BJP have commented on a controversy that erupted when a man allegedly heckled a singer at a street dance performance on the Mata Tripurasundari Temple's premises for singing Kailash Kher's Allah Ke Bande song.
In a video of the incident that has gone viral online since May 18, singer Shanu Malakar, from Gomati district, is seen being 'threatened' by a man who introduces himself as a 'rashtravadi' (nationalist) and says Allah's praise cannot be done in a temple. Malakar, in response, says he performs street dance to raise funds to help the poor and needy.
The man, who the CPM claims is BJP OBC Morcha leader Tushar Shil from West Tripura, is seen purportedly saying that 'this is Hindustan', 'those who worship Allah' are jihadis', and that 'such songs cannot be sung' on Indian soil.
Referring to the video, CPM Politburo member and Opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury said on Tuesday, 'A post has become viral on social media, after seeing which I got shocked. What is happening in the state! A youth, Sanu Malakar, a folk singer who earns some money from street dance performances and acrobatics, was seen singing a devotional song with an appeal to humanity in a viral post on social media…That song had the word 'Allah' or something related to it… He was threatened by a person in front of a large gathering on why he uttered the word 'Allah'.'
Chaudhury alleged that the general mindset of people had turned toxic under BJP rule to the extent that people who question any government decision are asked to go to Pakistan and denied the right to live in India.
'In front of many people, he (Shanu Malakar) was threatened. The one threatening him was almost about to assault him. Probably, it was not seen in the video clip, but it was published in some newspapers that he was physically assaulted as well,' the CPM leader said.
Chaudhury also said every Indian has the constitutional right to express their beliefs through devotional songs of any religion.
'So many people have been arrested in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on different charges and harassed for 10-12 days…. Why is there no arrest here? If police are asked about such issues, they say no one has filed an FIR. Surprisingly, the police suo motu slaps different sections of the law against those who try to speak about constitutional rights,' he said.
BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharya responded to the controversy. 'It is natural that azaan can't be performed in temples; neither can Durga Puja be performed in mosques. His intention has to be understood.'
Commenting on Chaudhury's statements about extensive arrests in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, the BJP leader said, 'If someone tries to speak in favour of Pakistan sitting in India, they will obviously be arrested. Jitenbabu seems to be in favour of such people. If he is, it won't be a very convenient stand for them (CPM).'
Last year, the Gomati district magistrate issued a notice prohibiting the shooting and posting online of 'improper' dance or music videos or reels that have the potential to hurt religious sentiments. The April 11, 2024, notice, which also warned of legal action, came after some performances by social media influencers on the premises of the Mata Tripurasundari Temple triggered outrage.
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