Controversy dogs India’s iconic artist Maqbool Fida Husain even after his death in the Royal Brompton Hospital in London on Thursday.
While his family members have still to take a decision on where to bury him, the BJP and the MNS led by Raj Thackeray are now vociferous in their insistence that the last rites of this legendary artist be performed here. A political war between the BJP and Congress has broken out over his death. The Congress ministers and leaders targeted the BJP for forcing the painter to leave India. The BJP on the other hand took a cautious approach and said that he should have returned to India and “respected the law and the people”. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled his death and said it “is a national loss”. He also said that “Husain made an immense contribution to popularising Indian art both within the country and abroad and captivated art lovers with his deep appreciation of the human condition and his bold and imaginative strokes.” The PM in his condolence message SAID, “Husain was one of the brightest stars in the Indian art firmament, which he dominated for nearly 70 years.” Dr Singh said that “in the passing away of Husain, the nation has lost an iconic artist and the art world one of its most colourful personalities, whose genius left a deep imprint on Indian art”.
Husain’s elder son, Shamshad left for London on hearing the news about his father’s demise. Husain’s family members who were present when his end came following a six-week illness are expected to take a decision on where to bury him on Friday.