The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, accusing him of disrespecting Assamese culture by allegedly refusing to wear the traditional 'Gamosa' during the reception hosted by President Draupadi Murmu following the Republic Day parade celebrations in New Delhi.
Assam Chief Minister Demands Apology
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the charge, describing Gandhi's actions as "deeply insensitive and insulting" to the people of the entire Northeast region. Sarma demanded an unconditional apology from the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, asserting that such behavior demonstrated why the Congress party had lost trust across the region.
"Times may change, but the attitude of the de facto supremo of the Congress party, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, regrettably appears unchanged," Sarma stated in a post on social media platform X. "In an act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of the entire North East, Mr. Gandhi chose not to wear the traditional Patka, a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage."
BJP's Escalating Criticism
The controversy gained momentum as media reports suggested that all other guests at the presidential reception, including foreign dignitaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Murmu herself, had worn the Gamosa presented to them. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed Sarma's sentiments, calling Gandhi's alleged refusal "shameful" and accusing him of disrespecting both the Northeast and the President.
"From the President and the Prime Minister to foreign dignitaries, everyone wore the Patka with respect and pride. Mr. Gandhi alone stood apart, reinforcing a perception of disregard towards the North East," Sarma emphasized in his statement.
Congress Fires Back with Counter-Allegations
Congress leaders swiftly countered the BJP's accusations, sharing photographs of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the same event without the traditional headgear. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera directly challenged Sarma, questioning whether he would demand an apology from Singh as well.
"Hey Himanta Biswa Sarma, will you seek an apology from Rajnath ji too? Or your entire strategy to fight anti-incumbency is to pick up such non-issues?" Khera asked pointedly.
Escalating Political Tensions
Congress MP Manickam Tagore intensified the political confrontation, labeling Sarma as part of the "2016 batch of betrayer" and accusing the BJP of dragging the President into what he called "cheap politics." This exchange occurs against the backdrop of earlier Congress complaints about seating arrangements during the Republic Day parade itself.
Congress leaders had previously raised concerns about what they described as a "protocol mess-up" when Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row during the main parade event at Kartavya Path. The party had accused the Centre of insulting opposition leaders through these seating arrangements.
BJP's Broader Political Critique
BJP leaders responded to the seating arrangement controversy by accusing Congress of politicizing national celebrations. BJP spokesperson Anil Bhandari characterized Gandhi as an "insincere politician" who consistently prioritized politics over national interest.
"Shameful of the Congress to politicize even seating arrangements at Republic Day. Rahul Gandhi is an insincere politician, who chooses politics over national interest," Bhandari stated, reflecting the deepening political divisions surrounding what should traditionally be non-partisan national events.
The Gamosa controversy represents the latest flashpoint in ongoing political tensions between India's two major national parties, with cultural symbolism and regional respect becoming central themes in their political confrontations. As both sides exchange allegations, the incident highlights how traditional symbols and national celebrations have become contested spaces in India's polarized political landscape.
