Artist alleges forced removal of protest photos

Visual artist and photographer Raihan Vadra, son of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, alleged on October twenty-first that Bikaner House management forced him to remove photographs documenting recent protests and youth movements in India.

Exhibition titled No Idea Is Final

The exhibition featured wildlife photography, abstract art and pictures documenting recent youth movements in India. It was scheduled to open at seven pm on October twenty-first at Bikaner House in New Delhi.

Vadra's account of the removal

Vadra posted on Instagram: Five hours ago, the Bikaner House Management forced me to remove the bulk of the artworks displayed in my show.The photos were of the youth protests in Delhi.

“Five hours ago, the Bikaner House Management forced me to remove the bulk of the artworks displayed in my show 'No Idea Is Final', which opens this evening at 7 p.m.. The photos were of the youth protests in Delhi. Apparently the content is objectionable.”

Vadra refuses to remove Tricolour images

Vadra alleged authorities directed him to remove two photos of the Tiranga. He refused, stating he would not take down a picture of the Indian flag and will find another venue to display the entire…

“I have refused. I will not take down a picture of the Indian flag.”

Congress MP questions the censorship

Congress MP and chairman media and publicity department Pawan Khera questioned the offence in clicking protest. He argued the photographs merely documented protests and not one was derogatory or inflammatory.

“When even the Tricolour isn't safe from the censor's scissors, perhaps the problem isn't the art. It's the regime.”

Khera accuses government of threatening ideas

Khera wrote on X: Imagine a government so threatened by ideas that not just protests, but even photographs of protests and the Tricolour itself have become intolerable. The end must be close.

“Imagine a government so threatened by ideas that not just protests, but even photographs of protests, and the Tricolour itself, have become intolerable. The end must be close.”

Bikaner House management does not respond

The Hindu reached out to Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar at Bikaner House to seek a response on the issue, but he neither responded to calls nor texts.