Team Herald

PANJIM: Congress on Friday came out in support of the artists, whose installations were closed for viewing during the ongoing Serendipity Art Festival, stating that the “freedom of expression had come to a halt” under the BJP-led NDA government.

While on Wednesday, band members of the band ‘Dastaan’, were arrested under section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code (hurting religious feelings); on Thursday, two exhibits of artists were also closed for viewing at the event for being connected to topics related to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Addressing media persons, Congress Spokesperson Trajano D’Mello said the action of banning artists from expressing themselves will affect the tourism industry in the State.

“Such kind of act of banning artists from expressing their opinion doesn’t go well with the tourism industry. I have been always saying that freedom of expression has come to a grinding halt under this government’s rule,” D’Mello said.

“Those who are opposing the divisive politics of NDA and its allies are victimized. And the victims are made the accused,” he said, while referring to the reported statement by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that action would be taken against those instigating people on the CAA issue.