Removal of Raihan’s Photos Triggers Congress, BJP Row
Over 70 photographs removed from Delhi exhibition, triggering a Congress-BJP political clash.
New Delhi: A political row erupted between the Congress and the BJP on Thursday after more than 70 photographs depicting protests in Delhi were removed from an exhibition by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son Raihan Vadra at Bikaner House in the national capital.
The Bikaner House Management Society defended the decision, saying certain photographs at the exhibition, titled No Idea Is Final, were inconsistent with its policy.
In a statement, the society said Bikaner House was a public cultural institution dedicated to promoting art and culture, and that exhibitions and associated activities must comply with its policy.
"Certain photographs displayed as part of 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. The photographs that are consistent with the Society's policy have continued to be displayed," it said.
Raihan Vadra alleged that he was asked to remove around 70 of the 105 photographs hours before the exhibition opened on Wednesday or face cancellation of the show.
The photographs documented protests in Delhi over the past six months, including demonstrations over NEET irregularities and against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. One of the photographs featured Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Raihan Vadra said the pictures were not directed against any political party or individual but documented events through an artist's lens.
He said he had submitted the exhibition layout a week before the opening and had already removed some photographs carrying overtly political slogans.
According to him, the management subsequently objected to photographs featuring political leaders and flags. He also alleged that officials removed a photograph of the national flag in his absence.
"They left one photograph in place, but while I was at home changing for the opening, they removed the other photograph of the Indian flag themselves. I have a video of them doing that," he said.
Questioning the restrictions, Raihan Vadra said, "I mean, most art is political, right? You cannot function as an artistic institution and then say that political content is not allowed."
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the removal of the photographs as "ridiculous" and accused the authorities of "muzzling" young voices.
Taking a veiled dig at the government, she said, "when someone with power becomes afraid of the expression of another, he doesn't know it, but he has already lost the very power he is trying to protect."
In a message to her son, she added, "You stand for what is true and everything beautiful will find its way to you. I am proud of you, always will be."
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot termed the removal an attack on democracy and an example of censorship. He said Bikaner House belonged to the Rajasthan government and demanded an explanation.
The BJP rejected the allegations. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of spreading "fake news" and said the venue's policy prohibited political content.
"Priyanka Vadra ji, there could be other ways to launch your son, but at the very least, stop telling lies under the cover of the Tricolour," he said in a video message on X.
BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also attacked the Congress, alleging that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was attempting to launch her son into politics.
Raihan Vadra's father Robert Vadra defended his son, saying the organisers had received the exhibition layout in advance but raised objections only shortly before its opening.
Despite the removal of the photographs, the exhibition opened on Wednesday evening with wildlife and abstract photographs among the remaining exhibits. Raihan Vadra said he was looking for another venue in Delhi to display the removed photographs. The exhibition is also scheduled to travel to Bengaluru in December.