BJP wades into music award row in bid to woo upper-caste voters

It backs critics of award-winner Krishna, who wants Carnatic music to be inclusive

- Rohini Mohan

An award conferred on a controversial classical musician in Tamil Nadu has triggered a major debate on caste and religion, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking to capitalise on the situation ahead of the upcoming general election.

The BJP's efforts to gain ground in Tamil Nadu, where it won less than 4 per cent of votes in the last elections in 2019, have led it to back the concerns of the small community of classical music lovers, which is dominated by the upper caste.

The controversy could consolidate conservative Tamil Brahmins as a vote bank for the BJP.

India's national elections will be held between April 19 and June 1, and the BJP is seeking a third term with an ambitious bid for 370 of 543 parliamentary seats across the country. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 19.