Political row erupts over Rahul Gandhi’s refusal to wear Gamosa at President’s reception

New Delhi: A heated political controversy unfolded on Republic Day after BJP leaders accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of insulting the Northeast by declining to wear a traditional Assamese Gamosa at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. The BJP demanded an unconditional apology, while Congress hit back by highlighting that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not don the scarf.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the charge, labeling Gandhi’s action as deeply insensitive to the Northeast’s cultural heritage. "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 northeast," Sarma posted on X, urging Gandhi to apologize to the region’s people. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed this, calling it "shameful" and disrespectful to the President.

The allegation stemmed from media reports claiming Gandhi was the only guest not to wear the Gamosa, presented to all attendees at the event.

Congress swiftly retaliated, with party media head Pawan Khera sharing a photo of Rajnath Singh sans patka and questioning Sarma: "Will you seek an apology from @rajnathsingh ji too? Or your entire strategy to fight anti-incumbency is to pick up such non-issues?" MP Manickam Tagore amplified the point, slamming the BJP for dragging the President into "cheap politics" and asking why Singh was exempt.

The spat extended to seating arrangements at the Kartavya Path Republic Day event, where Congress accused the NDA government of disrespecting Leaders of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge by placing them in the third row. BJP’s Poonawalla dismissed this as Congress entitlement, noting that seating follows the official Warrant of Precedence and that even senior ministers sat similarly without complaint. He questioned Gandhi’s absences from key events like the Vice-President and CJI oaths.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Congress of politicizing national occasions, branding Gandhi an "insincere politician" who prioritizes politics over national interest.