MP won’t invite MF Husain for art academy jubilee

With MF Husain facing the Sangh Parivar’s wrath for his ‘‘objectionable’’ depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses in his paintings, the Madhya Pradesh government is unlikely to invite the painter for the silver jubilee celebrations of Bharat Bhavan, an art hub here that houses some of his works. Though invitations for the event will be sent out only in September, Culture Minister Laxmikant Sharma said he was opposed to involving Husain in the year-long celebrations.

‘‘How can I invite and welcome someone who has hurt the sentiments of Indians by insulting their culture?’’ Sharma said. Maintaining that his views on Husain had nothing to do with religion, Sharma said, ‘‘I am against the indecent depiction of any culture or religion. I condemned the indecent portrayal of Prophet Mohammed in some cartoons a few months ago.’’