Rahul Gandhi at Centre of Congress-BJP Protocol Row on Republic Day
Image Source: Internet
India's Republic Day celebrations on Monday showcased the nation's military strength, but were marred by a controversy between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress over seating arrangements and cultural norms. The spat centered around two incidents involving Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. During the morning parade, Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were seated in the third row, sparking outrage from Congress leaders. They claimed this was a breach of protocol and an insult to the nation. However, the BJP defended the seating arrangement, citing official guidelines. The confrontation escalated in the evening when Gandhi attended the President's 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan without wearing a traditional Assamese scarf, known as a patka or gamosa. The BJP accused Gandhi of disrespecting the culture and people of the North-East, while the Congress rejected the allegations, pointing out that other dignitaries, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also did not wear the traditional scarf. The incident has reignited tensions between the BJP and Congress, with both parties trading barbs over protocol and cultural norms. The controversy has also raised questions about the importance of respecting cultural traditions and the need for greater sensitivity in public events.
