Raihan Vadra photo exhibition row: Artistic freedom vs curb on dissent
On Capital Beat, The Federal speaks with a panel of experts on freedom of expression, the space for dissent in the national capital, and police action
Visual artist Raihan Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has questioned the removal of 70 photographs documenting recent protests in Delhi from his solo exhibition at Bikaner House, hours before its scheduled opening. Raihan alleges that officials objected to photographs of the Indian flag, even after he had set aside images containing overtly political slogans.
The incident has raised fresh questions about freedom of expression and the space for dissent in the national capital, where protest-related detentions, police action and restrictions have drawn criticism. With People Against SIR planning marches across the country amid continuing restrictions in New Delhi, is the removal of Raihan Vadra’s photographs another instance of curbing dissent?
Are authorities finding new ways to restrict protest and political expression? The Federal spoke with a panel of experts about the controversy, its implications for artistic freedom, and the wider crackdown allegations surrounding protests against the EC's SIR exercise.
Watch the video here.
