New Delhi: Robert Vadra has questioned the Bikaner House administration's decision to remove a significant portion of photographs from his son Raihan Vadra's exhibition just hours before its scheduled opening, asking why objections were raised at the last minute despite the proposal being submitted a week in advance.
Calling the intervention intimidation during an exclusive conversation, Vadra stated that the administration failed to scrutinize the photographs in a timely manner and left his son scrambling to dismantle parts of the show. Vadra noted that Raihan had exhibited at Bikaner House for six years and followed the established procedure of submitting a PDF of the proposed exhibits ahead of time, questioning why the administration did not flag any issues earlier.
The controversy arose after Raihan, an artist and photographer and the son of Congress leaders, stated that several photographs depicting recent Delhi protests and the national flag were ordered to be taken down from his solo exhibition titled No Idea Is Final. Vadra pointed out that the objections came only after the setup was underway and guests were being invited for a preview, arguing that the administration failed to conduct proper due diligence during the week-long review window.
Furthermore, Vadra questioned why approximately 75 photographs, amounting to nearly two-thirds of the exhibition, were marked for removal instead of pinpointing specific policy violations. He stated that although his son offered to turn the questioned photographs around rather than display them, the venue insisted they be removed entirely. Vadra maintained that the artwork was not intended to promote any political leader and expressed that the family was unaware of the specific restrictions cited in the booking policy.
Vadra also raised concerns over the venue directing organizers to leave before the agreed closing time, noting that they were told to vacate by 9 pm instead of the usual 11 pm and warned that lights would be shut off. Organizers were consequently forced to ask guests and associates to leave, an action Vadra described as embarrassing and intimidating.
In response, the Bikaner House Management Society stated that certain photographs were inconsistent with its policy and that their removal had been requested, while images complying with the guidelines were allowed to remain on display. Raihan reported being informed that the exhibition faced cancellation unless the specified photographs were removed within a tight deadline.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the decision, labeling the move ridiculous and accusing authorities of trying to silence young voices, while expressing pride in her son. Robert Vadra similarly voiced confidence that his son would find another venue to display his complete body of work.