Raihan Vadra Slams Bikaner House Over 'Censorship' and Freedom of Expression
Raihan Vadra alleges Bikaner House management tried to curb freedom of expression by demanding the removal of photos from his exhibition.
Raihan Vadra, the son of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, has sparked a controversy over alleged censorship at Bikaner House in New Delhi. Raihan, an artist, has spoken out against the management of the venue, claiming they attempted to curb his freedom of expression by demanding the removal of specific photographs from his exhibition, titled ‘No Idea Is Final’.
The Last-Minute Demand
The exhibition was set to open at 7 pm on Thursday. However, the conflict began 24 hours prior when the management first approached Raihan, alleging that some of the images violated the venue's policy. When Raihan asked for a specific list of problematic images to allow for a discussion, he received no response until the following day around noon.
It was then that the Deputy Resident Commissioner informed him that photographs depicting youth movements in Delhi over the past year must be removed. Raihan questioned the timing of the management's claim that they had not seen the layout, despite him having shared it a week in advance.
"I said that I shared the layout a week earlier. Why didn't you bring it up earlier? They said we couldn't see the layout. So I said, you still had one week to tell me you couldn't see the layout, I would have sent it. We could have had this discussion earlier. Now in four or five hours, what am I going to do?"
Escalation and the Threat to Seal the Building
Raihan alleges that the management's approach was escalated by external pressure or policy strictness. He stated that he had already removed most images of political parties and political leaders to comply with thes venue's policy against political content. He offered to replace any specific photos that violation the policy, but the management refused to any discussion.
According to Raihan, the Principal Resident Commissioner also raised similar concerns. Eventually, the management issued a notice at 3:30 pm, stating that if the photographs were not removed by 4 pm, the building would be sealed by 5 pm and the entire exhibition would be cancelled.
In an attempt to compromise, Raihan's team initially turned the framed photographs around so that the backs of the frames were visible, but the management objected to this as well. The images were eventually removed and stored.
National Flag Controversy
Raihan further alleged that the management objected to two photographs featuring the Indian national flag. Despite his requests for a written explanation as to why these images were prohibited, he claims he received none.
Standing Firm on Artistic Freedom
Raihan Vadra Vadra expressed that while he might not be able to confirm if the political motive was behind the decision, his background allows him to take a stand as an artist. He argued that public institutions like Bikaner House and major art fairs have a responsibility toward artists and curators.
"Any curtailment of remunerative expression and art is wrong. any form of censorship is wrong," he said.
Family Support
TheEvento has received strong backing from his family. His mother, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took to X (formerly Twitter) to show her support for her son, while sending a subtle message to those in power.
"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. You stand for what is true and everything beautiful will find its way to you. I am proud of you, always will be," wrote Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Robert Vadra also shared his son's post, standing in solidarity with his oncologist's son.