Singer Gajender Fogat Denies Role in Ban

Haryana  based singer Gajender Fogat has found himself at the center of a controversy over the recent uproar surrounding bans on Haryanvi songs. Speaking to the media, Fogat clarified that he played no role in the alleged banning of songs and distanced himself from the political and cultural debate swirling online and offline. The row began when some local artists claimed their songs were being unfairly targeted and removed from platforms, citing vague reasons.

Fogat, who has a significant fan following in northern India, responded to the ongoing ban speculation. “I have no connection with any ban on Haryanvi music. My goal has always been to promote our culture through music,” he said. His statement came amid rumors that certain popular tracks were pulled down due to complaints allegedly supported by influential voices in the state.

Adding a twist to the story, the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) also made a statement. According to the OSD, he received threats after a particular song titled “Pakistan Ki Chhori” was uploaded online. The OSD claimed the threats were serious and reported them to higher authorities. He said, “The threats came from unknown sources, warning of dire consequences for allowing such content to remain live.” This raised serious questions about safety and the limits of artistic expression in today’s climate.

Despite the controversies, one of Fogat’s earlier songs, “Bam Lahri,” started trending again on social media over the weekend. Fans have flooded platforms like YouTube and Instagram with clips, dances, and remixes based on the track. Some users have even interpreted this trend as a silent protest against the alleged crackdown on regional music.

The matter has sparked widespread debate among musicians, politicians, and netizens. While some argue that music should remain unrestricted as a form of free expression, others believe some lyrical content may cross the line of decency or political sensitivity. Music scholars and cultural commentators have weighed in, noting that Haryanvi music, known for its bold themes and rustic rhythms, has often found itself caught between popularity and censorship.

The Artists’ Guild of Haryana has called for a formal meeting with state officials to understand the nature of the bans and discuss the future of regional music in the digital space. Meanwhile, many singers have taken to social media with hashtags like #SaveHaryanviMusic and #ArtIsNotACrime, urging for clear guidelines rather than behind-the-scenes suppression.

Gajender Fogat, who rose to fame with his energetic stage performances and catchy hooks, ended his statement with a plea: “Let music unite us, not divide us. It’s time we support creativity and culture without fear.”