The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday demanded in Parliament that renowned artist Maqbool Fida Husain, who has been offered citizenship by Qatar, be brought back to India. The 95-year-old artist has been living in self-imposed exile in Dubai for the past five years following threats from some fundamentalist groups.
Raising the issue during zero hour in the Lok Sabha, Ramachandra Dome said Mr. Husain was an artist of international repute, and it was sad and “shameful” for the nation that he had to stay abroad at an old age. The member sought to know the government's stand, and whether it had taken any decision to bring him back.
In the Rajya Sabha, Moinul Hassan urged the government to ensure Mr. Husain's safe return. “It is a matter of grave concern. The government failed to provide adequate security to Mr. Husain when he earlier expressed his desire to come back to India,” the member said raising the issue during zero hour.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was present in the House.
Criticising right-wing activists for attacking Mr. Husain and vandalising his works, Mr. Hassan said the artist accepting Qatari citizenship was a matter of shame for the government.
