Congress leader Pawan Khera has accused the BJP and the authorities at Bikaner House in New Delhi of applying selective standards to political expression in art, citing an exhibition featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Mahatma Gandhi to challenge the removal of photographs documenting protests and democratic movements.

In a post on X on Sunday (October 25), Khera shared a video of an artwork displayed at Bikaner House in September 2025, arguing that its presence contradicted claims that the venue prohibits political content. His remarks come amid a controversy over the removal of 75 photographs from No Idea Is Final, a solo photography exhibition by Raihan Rajiv Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

"In his video on X, a certain BJP wannabe animatedly points to Bikaner House’s policy on art shows and exhibitions, claiming that political content is not permitted. In that context, let me present an artwork exhibited at Bikaner House itself in September 2025. I would argue that it is deeply political," Khera wrote.

Khera argued that depicting Modi alongside Gandhi was itself a political statement, particularly when the prime minister’s image is widely used to promote government schemes and benefits.

"At a time when Modi’s face is plastered on everything from foodgrain bags to roadside banners, projecting him as the source of every benefit, that face becomes deeply political. Portraying Modi, rather wishfully, on an equal footing with Mahatma Gandhi is a political statement in itself. This raises serious questions about the double standards of Bikaner House and, by extension, the government. Clearly, ‘political art’ is not the problem. The politics behind it is,” he said.

Questioning why the artwork featuring Modi was permitted while photographs documenting public demonstrations were removed, Khera accused the authorities of discriminating against artistic expression based on its political message.

“This raises serious questions about the double standards of Bikaner House and, by extension, the government. Clearly, ‘political art’ is not the problem. The politics behind it is. If it glorifies and pedestalises the master, it is welcome. If it celebrates democracy, the Constitution and every citizen’s inherent right to protest, suddenly it is unacceptable” he added.
 

In his video on X, a certain BJP wannabe animatedly points to Bikaner House’s policy on art shows and exhibitions, claiming that political content is not permitted. In that context, let me present an artwork exhibited at Bikaner House itself in September 2025 - video attached. I would argue that it is deeply political. 1. At a time when Modi’s face is plastered on everything from foodgrain bags to roadside banners, projecting him as the source of every benefit, that face becomes deeply political. 2. Portraying Modi, rather wishfully, on an equal footing with Mahatma Gandhi is a political statement in itself. This raises serious questions about the double standards of Bikaner House and, by extension, the government. Clearly, ‘political art’ is not the problem. The politics behind it is. If it glorifies and pedestalises the master, it is welcome. If it celebrates democracy, the Constitution and every citizen’s inherent right to protest, suddenly it is unacceptable.

— Pawan Khera ???????? ಪವನ್ ಖೇರಾ (@Pawankhera) October 25, 2026

Vadra’s exhibition, No Idea Is Final, was intended to feature 105 photographs documenting youth-led protests and civic movements across Delhi.

However, hours before the exhibition’s public opening, the Bikaner House administration asked him to remove 75 photographs, citing the venue’s policy against political content. The administration functions under the Rajasthan government.

The decision triggered a political confrontation, with BJP functionaries defending the move on the grounds that government-run cultural venues must follow established guidelines restricting political content. Congress leaders, meanwhile, described the removal as censorship and an attempt to suppress dissent.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the decision, calling it a "ridiculous" attempt to silence young people and artists documenting democratic protests. She argued that restricting the photographs amounted to curbing the expression of youth voices.

Vadra said he agreed to remove the 75 photographs under pressure to prevent the cancellation of the entire exhibition. He has said he intends to display the complete, unedited collection at another venue in Delhi and subsequently in Bengaluru.

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the boundaries between cultural institutions, political expression and dissent, with the Congress arguing that the selective enforcement of exhibition rules raises questions about freedom of artistic expression at government-run venues.