These days MF Husain doesn't have to be around for Hindu rightwingers to be muscling havoc. An exhibition of his almost ran into rough weather in the national capital on December 22 after organisers received a threat from the Bajrang Dal.
The India International Centre, where Hussain's 'India in the Era of Mughals' painting series was on display, suspended the exhibition for a day. IIC, the Times of India says, received the threats from Dal activists who threatened it with "serious consequences" if the capital's high-profile cultural organisation continued to exhibit the works of the controversial artist. [Link]
A group of youth, claiming to be members of the Hindutva outfit, went to the IIC and threatened the officials that they would have to face consequences if they continue with the hosting of this show, sources added.
Bajrang Dal Delhi unit president Ashok Kapur claimed the outfit's youth had gone to the venue to enquire about the exhibition and had told the exhibitors that Hussain had insulted India's culture and his works should not be displayed here.
The exhibition, however, resumed the next day amid tightened security.
