Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the authorities of “muzzling” young voices after photographs taken by her son, Raihan Vadra, depicting recent protests in Delhi were removed from his exhibition at Bikaner House. However, an official notice issued by the Bikaner House Management Society (BHMS) presents a different stated reason for the action, citing non-compliance with its exhibition policy.
The notice, dated 21 October 2026, was issued by Manoj Singh, Deputy Resident Commissioner of the Bikaner House Management Society, under the Rajasthan Government’s Office of the Resident Commissioner.
Titled “Notice of Non-Compliance with BHMS Policy and Cancellation of Exhibition”, the document states that the exhibition proposal submitted by Raihan had specified themes including nature, wildlife, abstract artworks, portraits, sculptures and immersive installations.
However, the management said that 74 photographs displayed as part of the exhibition did not conform to the stated policy.
The notice read, “As stated in the proposal submitted by you, the exhibition was to focus on themes such as nature, wildlife, abstract artworks, portraits, sculptures and immersive installations. However, it has been observed that 74 photographs installed as part of your exhibition at Bikaner House are not in the line with the stated policy of BHMS.”
It further instructed Raihan to remove the photographs by 4 pm on October 21, warning that failure to do so would result in the cancellation of the exhibition space by 5 pm that day.
“You are hereby requested to remove the said photographs by 4 pm on 21st October 2026, failing which the allotment of exhibition space shall stand cancelled by 5 pm on 21st October 2026,” the notice stated.
Copies of the notice were marked to officials in the Rajasthan Government, including the Office of the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister’s office and the General Administration Department.
Priyanka Gandhi Alleges Censorship
Following the removal of the photographs, Priyanka Gandhi publicly criticised the action, describing it as an attempt to silence young people and artists.
“I think it’s ridiculous. What do you think? He is a young boy but I suppose you know, they are muzzling the voice of the youth across the nation. So it’s only expected that they’ll do it to anyone,” she said.
She further claimed that the photographs contained no political commentary and were merely a visual record of protests.
“His photographs of the protests, not a single commentary, not a single thing that was either derogatory towards anyone, just a visual documentation of the protest. So, I mean, clearly this is the way they think. It’s not a democracy anymore. Today it’s him, tomorrow it’ll be another artist,” Priyanka said.
In a subsequent social media post addressed to her son, she wrote, “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.”
She added, “You stand for what is true and everything beautiful will find its way to you. I am proud of you, always will be.”
.@raihanrvadra
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.
❤️ mama
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) October 22, 2026
Raihan Vadra Claims Authorities Objected to Political Content
Raihan, a photographer and artist, alleged that the Bikaner House management had objected to the political nature of the photographs and told him that it was not the right time to exhibit them.
According to his account, he was informed that the photographs had to be removed within a short deadline or the exhibition would be cancelled. He also argued that the exhibition proposal and layout had been shared with the management in advance.
Raihan maintained that the photographs documented youth protests over the preceding six months and did not carry any explicit political message. He also claimed that an image of the Indian national flag was among the works removed.
The exhibition, titled No Idea is Final, featured more than 100 photographs and other artworks, including wildlife photography, abstract works and street photography. Following the removal of the protest photographs, around 40 works reportedly remained on display, while more than 70 were taken down.
Raihan argued that all art carries a political dimension, saying, “There is no art without politics.”
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