After derogatory drawings of Bharat Mata, in the context of the #MeToo movement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exhibited at the art exhibition in Chennai's Loyola College drew widespread condemnation from the BJP and right-wing groups, the college issued an apology.
The college authorities, in the statement, said the paintings have already been removed from the exhibition as soon as it was brought to their notice.
The college, while distancing itself from the paintings, said in the statement, “Loyola College is an institution of excellence that has cherished the plural values and ethos of the country with equal importance to each constituent member of the family where majority of our brethren are from the largest religious group. We do not advocate or support anything that tantamount to disturbing peace and tranquility of the society that we render our service to."
“We are deeply pained, saddened and equally anguished that the venue to conduct a cultural event, Veethi Virudhu Vizha held on 19th and 20th Jan 2019 has been misused, our illustrious and pluralistic campus was used for derogative exhibits against a particular religious group, social institution, political party and the country’s leadership,” the college further stated.
Also Read: BJP leaders warn of protests against Loyola College over art exhibition
After the images had gone viral, BJP national secretary H. Raja called for action against the college for offending Hindu sentiments. Raja tweeted, “VCK, Communist, Naxalite and Christian conversion groups have joined together in a planned way to attack Hindu religion and our nation at Chennai Loyola College. A complaint has been filed...”. Raja had also called for a demonstration in front of the DGP's office in Chennai on Monday. In a tweet, Raja said, “Loyola College has defamed Bharat Mata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hindu religion. I appeal to all ‘deshbhakts’ and Hindu support groups to assemble at DGP’s office at 11 30 to demand action.”
BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan also condemned the exhibition at Loyola College, saying it “insulted Hindu sentiments, RSS, Modi and Bharat Mata”. Interacting with mediapersons, Soundarajan said, “the #MeToo artwork on Bharat Mata at Loyola College has made me furious. We demand an explanation from the college, else there will be a protest from BJP’s side”.
Minister of State for Finance and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan demanded action against Loyola College. Speaking to reporters, Radhakrishnan claimed that the AIADMK government in the state not acting against Loyola College over the art exhibition would show that it supported such actions.
