Joining filmmakers, writers, scientists and theatre artistes, over 100 artists from across India on Monday issued a joint appeal to the people to “usher in a new and inclusive government that respects democracy and secular values” in the coming Lok Sabha elections.
The list of 103 signatories includes some prominent namesfrom the visual arts fraternity like artists Manu Parekh, Orjit Sen, GigiScaria, Ranbir Kaleka, and Arunkumar H.G. and art writer-critics Johny M.L. andGeorgina Maddox.
The statement “against hate politics” was issuedon the platform www.artistuniteindia.com.
Jointly, they made an “impassioned appeal to fellowcitizens to save the soul of our nation from being permanently scarred byattempts to undermine our Constitution and assaults on what we hold mostdear”.
Giving voice to their anguish at the current state ofaffairs, they also appealed to the people of India to save democracy.
“Visual art has always taken a lead in shaping thenarrative of the nation. Be it the iconic works by Abanindranath Tagore in thepre-Independence era to the reformative works of parallel cinema, it has alwaystaken a stand for the common good of the nation and never shied away fromushering changes in society. In that very same spirit, today, we as visualartists are taking a stand for saving the constitutional structure from theassault of fascist forces,” the statement read.
Criticising the Modi government, they said that “westand at a critical juncture in our national history on the eve of a make orbreak election”.
“We believe that the first step towards restoring ourdemocratic traditions as envisioned by our forefathers is to vote out thecurrent government lock, stock and barrel and usher in a new and inclusivegovernment that respects democracy and secular values.
“We therefore fervently request you to vote against theBJP, and vote strategically for whichever party stands the best chance of defeatingthe BJP in your region. On the day of voting, do keep a check on any violationsof electoral laws. This is perhaps the most important election that India hasever faced. It is an opportunity to save our democratic polity, protect libertyand our secular tradition. This is the only chance we have. Use itwisely.”