Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 (NationPress) A fresh controversy has erupted in Kerala following a formal complaint to the state police chief regarding the song 'Pottiye Kettiye'. The complaint alleges that this devotional piece has been distorted and exploited for political purposes during the recently held local body elections.

The grievance calls for the immediate retraction of the song, asserting that it has offended religious sentiments and insulted the followers of Lord Ayyappa.

The original rendition honors Lord Ayyappa, while the parody version focuses on the gold theft that occurred at the temple.

This gold heist is currently under investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala High Court, which has apprehended six individuals, including two former Presidents of the Travancore Devasom Board—both of whom are CPI-M leaders with ties to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Thiruvabharanam Patha Samrakshana Samithi's General Secretary, Prasad Kuzhikkala, filed the complaint, arguing that the song, initially intended to be a devotional piece, has been manipulated for clear political motives.

He claimed that associating Lord Ayyappa with an election-themed song constitutes an insult to faith and has caused significant emotional distress to the devotees.

The complainant emphasized that utilizing religious imagery and sentiments for political gain is unacceptable and represents a conscious distortion of a sacred devotional expression.

The song has attracted immense attention and gone viral on social media shortly after the elections, receiving both acclaim and criticism.

Supporters have praised it as a creative and effective campaign tool, while critics argue it has crossed boundaries by merging religious devotion with political agendas.

Reportedly, the song was created as part of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) electoral campaign and was performed by Danish Mohammed, a resident of Padinjattumuri in the Malappuram district.

The surge in its popularity coincided with the UDF’s strong performance in the local body elections, where the coalition secured a significant advantage over its opponents.

This complaint introduces a new dimension to the political repercussions of the elections, reigniting discussions on the use of religious symbols and devotional content in electoral contexts.

Authorities from the police have yet to determine their response to the petition.

CPI-M's Pathanamthitta district Secretary and five-time legislator Raju Abraham stated that the song evidently hurts the sentiments of Lord Ayyappa's devotees and therefore, appropriate measures must be taken.