Minister Asks Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to Reconsider Ban on Singer's Concert

Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister P. C. Vishnunadh has urged the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to reconsider its decision to deny permission for a music concert featuring singer Pushpavathy at Manaveeyam Veedhi. The concert was planned for Saturday as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Manaveeyam Veedhi, which is a cultural corridor in the State capital. Organisers alleged on Friday that the corporation, ruled by the BJP, denied permission without giving a valid reason even though they followed all proper procedures with the police and civic authorities. They also stated that restrictions have recently been placed on programmes at the venue. Mr. Vishnunadh described Pushpavathy as a gifted Malayalam singer and a former vice-chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, adding that creative spaces should not restrict artists from performing.

Corporation Stance

Mayor V. V. Rajesh stated earlier in the day that he had never heard of singer Pushpavathy. He explained that the State government gave the Corporation the responsibility of maintaining Manaveeyam Veedhi because it was renovated using Smart City Mission funds. Mr. Rajesh added that the Corporation had no record or knowledge of any committee organising the silver jubilee event, noting that an official representative from the civic body should have been included if such a committee existed.

Other Updates

Minister Vishnunadh also addressed recent administrative changes at the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy concerning the International Film Festival of Kerala. The academy relieved N. P. Sajeesh and Rejoy K. J. from their additional festival charges, while giving V. P. Vimal Kumar charge of Programme Manager for the festival. He stated these changes are internal adjustments that will not affect the festival, which runs from December 11 to 18 in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, he noted that the Champion Boat League is seeing higher public turnout this year, with the final and the President's Trophy scheduled to take place in Kollam.

Context

Manaveeyam Veedhi is a well-known public cultural space in Thiruvananthapuram that frequently hosts artistic performances and public gatherings. Local bodies in Kerala often oversee public spaces and civic venues funded through urban development initiatives like the Smart City Mission. Cultural events such as the International Film Festival of Kerala and the Champion Boat League are major annual state-backed events involving government departments and academy oversight.