Kerala CM Invites Raihan Vadra to Host Exhibition After Artwork Removal Row in Delhi

Satheesan said Kerala would be pleased to host the exhibition in its entirety, without exclusions or alterations. He sent the invitation on Thursday evening, hours after the Congress criticised the removal of artworks, alleging it amounted to censorship of artistic expression.

In a post on X responding to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Kerala Chief Minister said the state would be proud to host the exhibition without exceptions.

The controversy erupted after several photographs were removed from the exhibition at Bikaner House on Thursday. According to reports, 105 photographs had been prepared for display, of which 74 were removed ahead of the exhibition's opening.

Many of the photographs reportedly documented youth protests and demonstrations involving Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Raihan also alleged that photographs featuring the national flag had been removed.

He said the decision to remove the photographs was communicated only a few hours before the exhibition was scheduled to open.

**Congress Alleges Restrictions on Artistic Expression**

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra publicly backed her son, arguing that those in positions of power should not be afraid of others expressing themselves. In a post on X, the Congress MP from Wayanad expressed pride in Raihan and encouraged him to continue standing by his convictions.

The Congress also criticised the decision, alleging that the removal of the photographs reflected an attempt to restrict artistic freedom and suppress the voices of young people.

However, the Bikaner House Management Society maintained that the artworks were removed because they did not comply with the institution's policies and established standards. The authorities said the exhibition was continuing with works that met the venue's requirements, including wildlife photographs.

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia criticised the Congress, accusing the party of attempting to bring Raihan into politics. He also pointed to Bikaner House's policy restricting politically themed artwork.

The competing explanations have placed the exhibition at the centre of a political debate over institutional guidelines, artistic freedom and the boundaries governing the display of politically sensitive material.

Satheesan's invitation offers Raihan an alternative venue to present the exhibition in Kerala, although the supplied report has not announced details about the proposed location or dates.