Chorus for Kovan's release gains momentum in TN

In the aftermath of the arrest of folk singer S. Sivadas alias Kovan over his song critical of the AIADMK Government's policy on liquor sales, around 250 people of the People Power Organisation staged a protest here on Monday and demanded his release.

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Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) cadres headed by president EVKS Elangovan also held a protest today demanding liquor prohibition in the state. They also demanded Kovan's immediate release.

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The Congress cadres also sang the song that had led to the arrest of the folk artiste. They raised slogans against the Tamil Nadu Government and Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

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Hundreds of Congress cadres took part in the protest which was held at Valluvar Kottam, Chennai.

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Leading political parties in Tamil Nadu also condemned the arrest.

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According to the state police, Kovan had written the lyrics of song 'Oorkku oorkku sarayam'. In the song, allegedly a reference was made to Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence in Chennai. Through his song, the singer had demanded that 'tasmac' shops (liquor shops) must be closed in Tamil Nadu.