From Sanjay Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network - Goa

Margao, Feb 9: Though noted Painter M F Hussain has apologized and promised to withdraw from an auction his controversial painting depicting "Bharatmata" in an obscene manner, still the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) is not happy and has demanded for his immediate arrest.

"Hussain has hurt the national sentiments by painting the nude picture of Mother India, as we love our Mother and respect. It is an insult of all Indians. For the reason he should be arrested immediately. Every time he can’t play with the sentiments of people," said D. Manoj Solanki, convener HJS-Goa, as they staged a dharna at the collecto's office in Margao, protesting against Hussain's controversial pictures.

To draw the government's attention towards this issue, on Tuesday HJS had held Dharna at four places in Goa - Panjim, Margao, Bicholim and Ponda.   

"So far 13 complaints in various police stations have been lodged against Hussain, but the Goa government is silent on this issue. If the government does not come out with a statement regarding this, we would soon hold a dharna at legislative assembly to protest over the silence drama of the government," he added.

According to Dr Solanki, Hussain's recent nude picture of deities had already invited wrath from all people. Now he has added fuel to the fire, he added. 

BJP demands M F Hussain's arrest 

PTI

New Delhi: Terming M F Hussain's alleged depiction of Hindu deities in the nude as an "insult to the nation," the BJP on Wednesday demanded the painter be immediately arrested and prosecuted for creating "disaffection" among communities.

"Being a good Muslim. Hussain should know the worldwide reaction over caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a Danish newspaper. He too should refrain from repeatedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus," BJP general secretary Vinay Katiyar told a news agency over phone from Ayodhya. Leave deities alone. Let not artistic freedom denude them.

Accusing Hussain of insulting the Hindus and the nation by allegedly portraying deities and Bharat Mata in the nude, Katiyar demanded the painter be immediately arrested and prosecuted.

"He has created disaffection among religious communities and, therefore, should be put behind the bars and prosecuted," the former Bajrang Dal chief said. "Otherwise, we will be forced to protest in our own way," he added.

On Tuesday, Hussain, however, apologised for his controversial depiction of Bharat Mata after angry protests by Hindu organisations.

The painting has been withdrawn from an auction that was to be held in Delhi on Wednesday.