Ghulam Ali to perform in Kerala on Jan 15

Thiruvananthapuram: Popular Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali will perform at two places in Kerala, a senior Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader said on Wednesday.

Addressing reporters here, CPI-M politburo member M.A. Baby said that Ali has confirmed his participation in two programmes being organised by the popular cultural organisation Swaralaya, that promotes music.

"His first performance will be in the capital city on January 15. The next will be in Kozhikode on January 17. We have sought the help of mayors of both cities and also called upon the various political parties and social organisations to support the programmes," said Baby, a senior legislator.

Ali's earlier planned programmes in Mumbai and Pune were called off after protests by the Shiv Sena.

Speaking to IANS, Shiv Sena leader Harikumar said the party would meet soon to discuss what needs to be done on the issue. 

"The decision of our party to not allow a Pakistani's programme stands and so far, there is nothing to change that," said Harikumar.