The Haryana government’s recent ban on nine Haryanvi songs promoting gun culture has sparked a heated debate. Among the banned songs, seven belong to singer Masoom Sharma, leading to widespread controversy. Amid this, Gajendra Phogat, OSD to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Chairman of the Publicity Cell, made a striking claim that Pakistan and Punjab are funding Haryanvi artists to promote gun culture in the state.
According to Phogat, artists singing about weapons and violence are being paid up to ₹15 lakh per song. He alleged that these singers have no real concern for Haryana’s culture or its youth and are only driven by financial gain. He further claimed that Pakistan aims to expand its influence towards Delhi, but Haryana stands in its way, which is why Punjab-based music companies are being used to introduce gun culture in the state.
Following the ban, allegations surfaced that Phogat played a key role in removing Masoom Sharma’s songs. This led to intense backlash, eventually resulting in Phogat’s eviction from his government office. As the debate continues, opinions remain divided, with some supporting the ban to curb glorification of violence, while others see it as an attack on artistic freedom.
