Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 23 (HBTV): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday backed Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna amid protests by several artists who have opposed the Sangitha Kalanidhi award for him.   

"My warmest congratulations and appreciation to the great singer T M Krishna for being selected for the 'Sangeetha Kalanidhi' award of The Music Academy," Stalin wrote on X.  

Addressing the criticism faced by Krishna for his political views and advocacy, Stalin wrote, "It is regrettable to criticize TM Krishna for his progressive political stances and his constant talking about the common man. It is not fair to unnecessarily lash out at Periyar, who fought for human equality based on humanity and for women to live as equals for three-quarters of a century in a charitable and peaceful way. Anyone who reads Periyar's selfless biography and his thoughts will not attempt to cast such slanderous mud."   

"The management of the Music Academy deserves our appreciation for choosing T M Krishna as a worthy candidate to give him due respect and recognition for his contributions to the music industry. T M Krishna's talent is undeniable. Don't mix narrow politics in music as you mix religious beliefs with politics! Today's need is to have a broad human vision and the ability to avoid hatred and embrace fellow human beings," he added.

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed.  HBTV has edited it for brevity and clarity.