Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is embroiled in controversy for not wearing the traditional northeastern dupatta at the Republic Day 'At Home Reception' hosted at the President's House. The BJP criticized his actions, calling them an insult to the northeastern people and their cultural symbols. According to BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya, Gandhi ignored President Droupadi Murmu's reminders to wear the dupatta, sharing this on social media platform 'X'.
Malviya mentioned that leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, EU delegates, and foreign diplomats wore the dupatta as a mark of respect and inclusion. He shared images showing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, PM Modi, and other guests donning the dupatta, with one highlighting Rahul Gandhi without it. Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, also reacted sharply to this incident.
Source: aajtak
Demanding an unconditional apology from Rahul Gandhi, Sarma stated that his consistent insensitivity towards the northeast has been a reason for Congress's political setbacks in the region. Sarma noted that the President, Prime Minister, and international guests wore the dupatta respectfully, yet Gandhi did not, indicating possible neglect toward the northeast.
Source: aajtak
The Congress retorted by sharing a photograph from the 'At Home Reception' showing Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also without the dupatta.
Source: aajtak
Congress leader Pawan Khera aimed criticism at Assam's Chief Minister, questioning whether he would demand an apology from Rajnath Singh as well, or if this serves as a BJP strategy to divert attention from Congress’s ongoing public interest issues raised across the nation and in Assam.
