New Delhi: With Assembly elections in Assam approaching, a major controversy erupted on Monday after Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi refused to wear a traditional Assamese gamosa during President Droupadi Murmu’s at-home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Republic Day.
The gamosa is a symbol of honor, humility, and acceptance for many people in the northeastern states. Refusing to wear it is being viewed as a grave error in judgment, particularly at a national function that the President is hosting.
The handwoven cotton scarf was reportedly given to each attendee at the event. Dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, foreign envoys, and top political leaders were seen wearing it. Even Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was seen wearing one as stood next to Rahul.
The gamosa was of particular importance as it was a northeast-themed event.
Republic TV has quoted sources as saying that President Murmu personally asked Rahul to don the gamosa twice and even discussed its cultural significance. He apparently declined in spite of this.
Images from the occasion show Gandhi wearing a white kurta sans a scarf.
This is not the first instance that Rahul Gandhi has faced criticism over the gamosa. He was accused of disrespecting the indigenous traditions on previous trips to Assam by failing to wear it right away.
The BJP latched on the opportunity and launched a scathing attack on Rahul, calling his actions “shameful” and “deeply disrespectful,” claiming that he disregarded the President’s personal request and insulted northeastern culture.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reacted angrily, denouncing Rahul Gandhi’s actions as “deeply insensitive.”
“Times may change, but the attitude of the de facto supremo of the Congress party, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, regrettably appears unchanged,” Sarma wrote on X. He emphasized that the gamosa was worn by all of the dignitaries in attendance as a sign of inclusivity and respect.
The gamosa represents Assamese pride, identity, and cultural values and is more than just a piece of cloth, Sarma insisted. He claimed that Rahul’s rejection demonstrated a lack of regard for the feelings of the local populace.
“Shameful! Rahul Gandhi has insulted the North East and also disrespected our very hon’ble President,” BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated on X,
Rahul and the Congress prioritize “parivar and position” over public opinion and constitutional principles, he alleged. Poonawalla also claimed that the incident demonstrated the Congress leader’s entitlement mentality and contempt for institutions and customs once more.