Aditya Thackeray Stands by Rehaan Wadra Amid Photo Exhibition Controversy
Aditya Thackeray supports Rehaan Wadra, calling refusal to remove national flag photos a courageous act amid political tensions.
New Delhi, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The controversy surrounding artist Rehaan Wadra, son of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has taken a political turn. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has publicly backed Wadra, stating that his refusal to remove photos featuring the national flag demonstrates courage.
On the social media platform X, Thackeray wrote, “Well done, Rehaan Wadra. In facing a regime that fears even pictures without context, you deserve praise for standing firm with the national flag and not removing those images.” He further urged the management of the exhibition venue to reflect on their identity as Indians, labeling the removal of such pictures as an anti-national act.
Thackeray made a pointed remark, suggesting that when democracy is restored, the management should face an Indian version of the Nuremberg Trials for this anti-national act. The Nuremberg Trials were historical proceedings that addressed war crimes committed by Nazi leaders.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared an emotional message on X in support of her son. In response to Thackeray, she stated that when those in power fear another’s expression, they fail to realize that the power they seek to protect is already lost.
She added, “Stand with the truth, and all beautiful things will find their way to you. I am proud of you and will always be.”
The dispute began when Rehaan Wadra alleged that the administration at Bikaner House directed the removal of over 70 photographs from his solo exhibition titled “No Idea is Final.” In conversations, Wadra explained that he had selected images in accordance with the venue’s policy on political content. He asserted that the exhibition contained minimal political slogans and very few images of political leaders.
Initially, Wadra was asked to remove a few photographs and expressed his willingness to cooperate. He suggested that if there were any objections, four or five images could be taken down, provided reasons were given. However, he claims he received no clear justification for the drastic request to remove 70 images from the entire exhibition.
