TM Krishna enthralls citizens at Delhi govt's 'Awam ki Awaz'

NEW DELHI: After much controversy, Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna on Saturday performed at the Garden of Five Senses in Saket here, as the Delhi government arranged his performance on an emergency basis.

Along with a large crowd, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Sisodia and Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha were present at the concert.

Addressing the attendees, Kejriwal said, "It was difficult for us to arrange everything within two days, but we did our best for the concert."

"You all came to watch this and it is a very big message for the diversity of our country. We are proud of the diversity. I welcome TM Krishna for accepting our invitation," he added.

Krishna was scheduled to perform the 'Dance and Music in the Park' festival at Nehru Park in Chankyapuri, to be organised by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and SPIC MACAY.

However, the two-day festival was postponed on November 5, after 'right-wing trolls' opposed on Twitter opposed the presence of Krishna – a vocal critic of the BJP-led Centre – at the festival.

In a statement, the ruling AAP said, "Recently, in an unfortunate incident, AAI cancelled an event with TM Krishna after right-wing trolls abused it on social media for associating with him since he is a vocal critic of the BJP government.

"It is hard to believe that such a large organisation would give in to social media pressure and suggests that perhaps they were pressurised by some senior authorities in the government."

The party also said "this was an attack on people who exercise their right to freedom of speech to voice their opinion against the government."

"AAP was born with the help of activists and we value freedom of expression most highly. We will not allow fascist forces to dictate what anyone can think or speak in this country," the statement noted.

The Delhi Government's Art, Culture and Language Department – headed by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia – had previously tried to arrange an event with Krishna, but could not due to unavailability of dates.

"But on Saturday, with Krishna's soulful music and our strong resolve to save freedom of expression in the nation, we will send a loud and clear message to fascist forces. We request media to cover widely and support the cause," a senior AAP leader had said.

The AAP-led Delhi government's invitation to Krishna is considered by many to be a strong message against the BJP.