Entertainment · Books & Arts · 1 hr ago
Raihan Vadra alleges Bikaner House asked him to remove protest photos
Artist Raihan Vadra says Bikaner House in New Delhi asked him to remove most of his artworks shortly before his exhibition was due to open.
Vadra, the son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, says the works include photographs of youth protests in Delhi.
His exhibition, “No Idea Is Final,” also includes wildlife photography and abstract art.
The protests involve opposition demands for the chief election commissioner to resign over alleged electoral irregularities and for changes to electoral-roll revisions to be withdrawn.
Vadra says he was also asked to remove two photographs featuring the Indian flag, but refused.
He says the exhibition will proceed with only part of the collection for now.
Vadra plans to find another venue for the protest photographs; Bikaner House’s management had not responded to a request for comment.
Raihan Vadra alleged that Bikaner House management asked him to remove most of the photographs in his exhibition, “No Idea Is Final”.
He said the photographs documented youth protests in Delhi and that the management considered their content objectionable.
Vadra also said he was asked to remove two photographs featuring the Indian flag, but refused.
He said the exhibition would open with part of the collection and that he would seek another venue for the protest photographs.
Bikaner House’s Resident Commissioner did not respond to The Hindu’s calls or texts seeking comment.
- Who
- Artist and photographer Raihan Vadra, and the management of Bikaner House.
- What
- Vadra alleged that the management asked him to remove most of his exhibition’s artworks, including protest photographs and two images of the Indian flag.
- When
- October 21, 2026, ahead of the exhibition’s scheduled opening that evening.
- Where
- Bikaner House, New Delhi.
- Why
- The management reportedly considered the images inappropriate to display at that time; Vadra said the content was objectionable, according to his account.
Raihan Vadra
Bikaner House management
Removal of protest photographs
Raihan Vadra
Vadra said the works documented youth protests and should remain part of the exhibition.
Bikaner House management
The management reportedly said it was not the appropriate time to display such images.
Removal of flag photographs
Raihan Vadra
Vadra said he refused to take down photographs of the Indian flag.
Bikaner House management
Vadra alleged that the management directed him to remove two photographs featuring the flag.
Vadra said he shared a detailed proposal and layout of the exhibition with Bikaner House management.
Vadra said he was asked to remove 50% of the artworks.
Vadra alleged on social media that the management had asked him to remove protest photographs and two images of the Indian flag.
The exhibition was scheduled to open, with Vadra saying it would proceed in part.
- Artist
- Raihan Vadra
- Exhibition
- No Idea Is Final
- Venue
- Bikaner House, New Delhi
- Scheduled opening
- October 21, 2026, at 7 p.m.
- Artworks
- Vadra said he was asked to remove 50% of the artworks
- Flag photographs
- Two images of the Indian flag were reportedly included in the removal request
3 sources
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Controversy erupts after ‘protest’ photographs by Priyanka Gandhi’s son allegedly get removed from Bikaner House exhibition
Priyanka Gandhi's son Raihan alleges Bikaner House pulled down his protest pics ahead of exhibition
What people are saying
I have refused. I will not take down a picture of the Indian flag,
The show will go on in part for now, but I will find another venue and display the entire collection of protest photos,