New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- The removal of certain photographs from artist and photographer Raihan Vadra's exhibition at Bikaner House has triggered a political controversy, with the venue's management citing its policy, the Congress accusing authorities of curbing freedom of expression and the BJP alleging a political motive behind the criticism.
The Bikaner House Society on Thursday said it had sought the removal of certain photographs from Vadra's exhibition, titled No Idea Is Final, after finding them inconsistent with its policy. However, the remaining photographs continued to be displayed, it said.
In a statement, the society described itself as a public cultural institution dedicated to promoting art and culture, adding that exhibitions and associated activities must comply with the Bikaner House Management Society Policy.
"Certain photographs displayed as part of Mr Raihan Vadra's exhibition, No Idea Is Final', at Bikaner House were found to be inconsistent with the policy of the Bikaner House Management Society. Accordingly, their removal was requested," it said.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when Raihan, the son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, said several photographs depicting recent protests in Delhi had been taken down ahead of his solo exhibition.
On Thursday, Raihan said the exhibition was scheduled to begin at 7 pm on Wednesday, but the management informed him that some photographs might be objectionable or violate its policy. He had earlier said he was told at 3.30 pm that the show would be cancelled if the photographs were not removed by 5 pm. He also maintained that the detailed proposal and layout had been shared with the management well in advance.
Priyanka Gandhi described the move as "ridiculous" and accused the authorities of "muzzling" the voices of young people. "Today it's him, tomorrow it'll be another artist," she said.
The BJP hit back, with spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accusing Priyanka Gandhi of spreading "fake news". He said Bikaner House's policy prohibited political content in exhibitions and called on her to find other ways to "launch" her son into politics.
Another BJP spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, also took a swipe at the Congress leadership, alleging that Priyanka Gandhi was seeking to promote Raihan politically.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.