A fresh political controversy has sparked debate within the Congress, with the BJP alleging an internal rift between senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to social media to question Rahul Gandhi’s silence over the controversy surrounding a photography exhibition by Priyanka Gandhi’s son, photographer Raihan Vadra. The BJP suggested that Rahul’s lack of response had fuelled speculation about tensions between the two Congress leaders.
Raihan Vadra organised an exhibition titled No Idea Is Final at Bikaner House in Delhi, featuring 105 photographs. However, just hours before the exhibition was scheduled to open, organisers reportedly asked for 74 photographs to be removed or replaced, leaving only 35 on display.
Reacting to the development, Priyanka Gandhi accused those involved of suppressing the voices of young people. Rahul Gandhi, who was reportedly in Vietnam on a personal visit, did not publicly comment on the controversy.The BJP seized on Rahul’s silence, questioning whether Priyanka had lost confidence in her brother. BJP leaders also alleged that Priyanka was using the controversy to sideline Rahul and pave the way for her son Raihan’s entry into politics. These claims have not been independently established.
The BJP also released what it described as supporting material, including email screenshots, alleging that the dispute involved a change in the exhibition’s original proposal.According to the BJP, a proposal sent by Raihan’s team on June 10 focused exclusively on themes such as nature, wildlife and sculptures, with no mention of political content. The party alleged that political photographs were added in October following pressure from the Gandhi family, prompting Bikaner House management to object under its rules.
The circumstances surrounding the exhibition and the competing claims have fuelled further political debate. The BJP’s allegations, however, do not by themselves establish that there is an internal conflict between Rahul and Priyanka.
Although Rahul and Priyanka were seen together during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar a few days earlier, the exhibition controversy has now prompted renewed speculation in political circles about a possible rift between the siblings.