Congress on Thursday, 22 October 2026, sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after artist and photographer Raihan Vadra — son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra — alleged that the Bikaner House administration in New Delhi ordered the removal of over 70 photographs from his solo exhibition, titled 'No Idea Is Final', just hours before its scheduled opening on Wednesday evening.

What Raihan Vadra Alleged

Raihan alleged that the Bikaner House management directed him to pull the bulk of artworks from the exhibition, which documented youth protests in Delhi over the past six months. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, he stated: 'Five hours ago, the Bikaner House Management forced me to remove the bulk of the artworks displayed in my show 'No Idea Is Final' which opens this evening at 7 p.m. The photos were of the youth protests in Delhi. Apparently the content is 'objectionable'. They also directed me to remove two photos of the Tiranga. 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.'

He also claimed that officials separately asked him to remove two photographs featuring the National Flag, a demand he said he refused to comply with. The exhibition was previewed on Wednesday and was scheduled to run until Sunday.

Congress Leaders Respond

Congress Member of Parliament Jebi Mather invoked the constitutional guarantee of free expression, questioning the BJP's motives. 'Every individual has a fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. Expression can take the form of words, photographs or exhibitions showcasing one's creative talent. How can that be stopped? Why is the government so scared? Why is the BJP so scared of Raihan Vadra's creativity and talent? If he is showcasing photographs and conducting an exhibition, why is he being stopped? This shows that the BJP is not just scared of protests or of youths holding the National Flag in the national Capital,' she said.

Congress leader Udit Raj also criticised the alleged restrictions, particularly around the display of the Tricolour. 'Everyone has the right to hoist and display the National Flag. I do not understand why such restrictions exist here. In America, people wear the flag on their T-shirts and caps, spread it out with pride and do all kinds of things with it. But here, there are more rituals, even if there is no genuine feeling within,' he said. Raj additionally alleged — without independent verification — that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had historically opposed the National Flag and claimed the BJP would have promoted a saffron flag had it secured 400 seats in the recent general elections. These remain his political allegations.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Weighs In

Raihan's mother, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, also condemned the alleged removal, reportedly describing it as 'ridiculous' and accusing the authorities of 'muzzling' young voices. This comes amid a broader pattern of tension between the Congress family and the central administration, lending the episode a sharper political edge beyond the immediate arts controversy.

Context and What Comes Next

The Bikaner House administration has not publicly responded to the allegations as of Thursday. The episode surfaces as part of a wider ongoing debate in India about the limits of artistic expression when it intersects with political protest imagery. Notably, this is not the first time a cultural or arts venue in Delhi has found itself at the centre of a free-speech controversy tied to protest documentation.

Raihan has stated his intent to find an alternative venue to display the complete collection of protest photographs. How the Bikaner House administration and the government respond to the mounting criticism will likely determine whether the controversy escalates further in the days ahead.