New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has broken out at Kolkata’s Academy of Fine Arts after a security room inside the cultural institution was painted saffron and a portrait of Bharat Mata was placed there, prompting criticism from a section of artists and theatre personalities.
The incident comes amid discussions over changes introduced by the BJP government in West Bengal, including the renaming of roads, changes to the colour of public infrastructure and reports that the colour of uniforms in government schools could also be revised.
Several members of the artistic community questioned why a cultural institution like the Academy of Fine Arts had been given a political colour. Alleging an attempt to impose ideology on a space meant for art and culture, they wrote to BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya seeking clarification.
Responding to the controversy, Bhattacharya distanced the party from the development and said the BJP does not believe in taking control of cultural institutions.
“I have read the letter. The BJP is not in favour of capturing the world of art and culture. This should not happen. Some people have become a little overenthusiastic in the name of the BJP, and the party will rein them in,” he said.
Using a lighter note to make his point, Bhattacharya added, “If we start doing the same things we once criticised others for, eggs will be thrown at us. I am getting older, my hair is thinning, and I am not willing to have eggs thrown at my head. I will not allow such things to happen.”
Theatre personalities also expressed concern over the incident. Theatre director Meghnad Bhattacharya said political workers from different ideologies had always been part of theatre groups, but no one had tried to dominate the Academy in the past.
Veteran theatre personality Bibhas Chakraborty described the episode as unnecessary, saying simply painting something saffron or red does not change its identity.
The controversy has once again sparked debate over the role of politics in West Bengal’s cultural institutions, with artists calling for the Academy of Fine Arts to remain free from political influence.
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