Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Complaint against UDF candidate in Ranni over parody song

Electioneering by Pazhakulam Madhu, the United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in Ranni, has landed in a controversy after a complaint was filed with the Election Commission of India alleging that he used a parody song that hurts religious sentiments.

The complaint was lodged by Prasad Kuzhikkala, an office-bearer of the Thiruvabharanam Patha Samrakshana Samiti, an organisation that works to protect the traditional route used to carry the sacred ornaments to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple from Pandalam. It alleges that Mr. Madhu used the song in a manner that offends religious sentiments.

Confirming the development, Mr. Kuzhikkala told the media that the matter would be pursued until it reaches its logical conclusion. The parody song, which first surfaced during the local body elections in December, had already triggered controversy, leading to a police case against its makers, including the lyricist and the singer. The case was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and for statements conducing to public mischief.

The lyrics suggest that a person referred to as ‘Potti’, allegedly linked to the Sabarimala gold case, was allowed entry into the temple to misappropriate gold, while also drawing political inferences against the ruling dispensation.

Candidate’s response

Responding to the complaint, Mr. Madhu, however, said he would continue to use the song as part of his campaign, describing it as legitimate satire. He maintained that he would continue to raise the issue of the alleged Sabarimala gold theft and asserted that no rules had been violated and no religious sentiments had been hurt.

He further alleged that Mr. Kuzhikkala had previously filed complaints against the song at the behest of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and claimed that both the party and the Left candidate in Ranni were behind the latest move against him. “The Sabarimala gold theft is a crime. I have only sung a song highlighting that crime. There is nothing wrong in speaking out against a crime,” he said.