Rahul Gandhi's Absence of Assamese Gamosa at President's Reception Sparks Northeast Insensitivity Debate
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A heated controversy erupted on Republic Day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was accused of disrespecting the people and cultural traditions of the Northeast by allegedly declining to wear the traditional Assamese gamosa or patka at the President's ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event, hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, followed a theme centered on India's northeastern states. Several dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wore the traditional patka as a symbol of respect and cultural inclusion. However, Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seen without the scarf, sparking accusations of insensitivity towards the Northeast. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged that Gandhi was reminded twice by the President to wear the patka, but declined. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also criticized Gandhi, calling him 'deeply insensitive and insulting', and demanded an unconditional apology. The Congress, however, rejected the BJP's allegations, accusing it of politicizing a ceremonial event and indulging in selective outrage. Party leaders pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also seen without the patka at the same reception, questioning why similar criticism was not directed at him. The controversy comes amid heightened political sparring between the two parties over protocol and symbolism during Republic Day events. The Congress had earlier accused the Centre of insulting Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge by seating them in the third row during the Republic Day parade. The BJP has accused the Congress of politicizing seating arrangements, while the Congress has accused the BJP of dragging the President into a political controversy. The debate has sparked a heated exchange between the two parties, with both sides trading barbs over the issue of protocol and symbolism during Republic Day events.
