M F Husain conferred with Qatar nationality

While Husain has stated he has been “honoured” by Qatar nationality it is not clear whether it is honorary citizenship and whether he is giving up Indian citizenship. India does not allow dual citizenship even though there is an Overseas Indian category.

Neither Husain nor his son were available for their comments. Apparently embarassed by the development,the Indian government made it clear Husain was free to return to India and it was ready to provide security to the noted painter. Calling Husain as the “pride of India”,Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said,”I would like him to feel safe and secure in India.”

Union Home Secretary G K Pillai said “there is no case against M F Husain. Supreme Court has quashed all the cases against him.”

Congress said if Husain chooses to return to India,it is government’s responsibility to provide him full security.

“M F Husain is a citizen of India. If he wants to come back,it is our responsibility as a government to provide him full security,” party spokesperson Manish Tewari said,adding the government is “duty-ordained” to do so.

Reacting to Qatar’s decision,RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said in Thiruvananthapuram the Sangh was not opposed to the renowned painter’s return to India,but he should apologise to the people “whose feelings he has hurt with his paintings.”