Govt says it will give him protection, but VHP is unrelenting in its opposition.
India may lose MF Husain, one of the world’s most celebrated painters, to Qatar. Husain, 95, who was hounded out of the country by unrelenting attacks from religious fundamentalists for his ‘controversial’ paintings, has been offered citizenship by Qatar.
Rattled by the news, the centre has offered the artist “full security” if he wished to return. Home secretary GK Pillai said the artist was an Indian citizen and free to return. “If he is willing to return and feels the need for security cover we will provide it,” he added.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said Husain would face no problem from his organisation if he lived in India and continued his artistic pursuits. “We will welcome Husain as an Indian citizen,” he said.
However, an RSS affiliate isn’t willing to give up its hard line on Husain. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) general secretary Venkatesh Abdeo said: “There is no question of the VHP withdrawing it stated position against Husain. He is not welcome to India…If he has decided to accept the citizenship of Qatar, he should remain there for the rest of his life.”
Shiv Sena MP Bharatkumar Raut, while underlining an artist’s freedom of expression, said, ``But it cannot be at the cost of other people’s sentiments. Even if he becomes a citizen of Qatar it does not absolve him of the crime he has committed.’’
If Husain accepts Qatar’s offer, he will have to forgo his Indian citizenship since India does not allow dual citizenship. Such an eventuality will put the Indian establishment’s ability to protect citizens from organised groups, religious or otherwise, under serious doubt.
Husain has been in exile and living in Dubai and London alternately since 2006 after some Hindu outfits started baying for his blood over his art works which allegedly depicted Hindu goddesses in the nude.
Art galleries displaying his work were subjected to vandalism. Besides, a large number of legal cases were filed against him in courts all over the country. At present, according to people in the know, there are nearly 900 cases pending against him.
The Indian establishment’s efforts to bring back the barefoot genius from Mumbai and ensure his safety has been lackadaisical at best. Husain’s acceptance of Qatar citizenship will certainly leave the government with egg on its face.
A close Mumbai-based friend of Husain told DNA, ``He can easily return to his motherland. But he is worried about the ramifications. He fears some forces may use his return as a pretext to trigger communal riots in the city and across the country.”
The art community is hurt at the development, but many feel Qatar citizenship may bring some peace of mind to the painter.
Writer Shobha De said MF Husain has had a long and warm relationship with the Sheikha of Qatar and in recent times she has become an ardent patron of his. ``We in India have closed all options to assure him about his safety, though he has expressed a desire to come back here several times. What choice are we leaving a frail, 95-year-old man at this stage of his life?’’ she asked.
—With inputs from Anil Anand, Shubhangi Khapre, Riddhi Doshi, Puneet Nicholas Yadav & agencies
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