Assam Congress has strongly criticized the BJP over recent allegations involving Rahul Gandhi and claims of disrespect toward the cultural symbols of Northeast India. On Tuesday, Congress MP and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP’s IT Cell of manipulating a controversy from photographs taken during the Republic Day reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, arguing it was a politically driven attempt to tarnish Gandhi’s image.
Gogoi emphasized that the BJP had asked questions regarding certain photographs from the reception, but when Congress leaders pointed out the same issues could apply to BJP leader Rajnath Singh, the party had nothing to say. “We should rise above such politics,” he remarked.
He also highlighted that depicting the controversy as an insult to the Northeast was misleading. Gogoi claimed that the historical records of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi in the region should be evaluated. He noted that Gandhi has consistently engaged with the people of the Northeast during significant crises, unlike Modi.
The uproar began when the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of “disrespecting” the culture of the Northeast by allegedly not wearing a traditional gamusa at the reception, despite President Droupadi Murmu’s request. BJP officials stated that all attendees, including the President, Prime Minister Modi, and foreign dignitaries, wore the traditional attire.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress president, refuted the BJP’s allegations, asserting that Gandhi had indeed worn the gamusa and had folded it respectfully during the meal. “The BJP is unnecessarily making an issue out of this,” Kharge said.
Kharge criticized the ruling party for what he deemed a deliberate insult to the Opposition, claiming they were made to sit in the third row during the Republic Day parade, which he characterized as a “purposeful attempt to insult the Opposition, the Congress, and the Constitution.” He expressed personal dismay, stating that as a senior leader, he should not have been relegated to such seating arrangements, which he viewed as a slight to his constitutional role.
Gogoi echoed these sentiments, specifically calling out the central government for not adhering to proper protocol regarding the seating of Gandhi and Kharge during the parade. He described the breach of protocol as a matter that required an explanation from Prime Minister Modi, who refers to Parliament as a “temple of democracy.”
The BJP, on its part, continues to firmly criticize Rahul Gandhi’s actions. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, condemned Gandhi’s conduct, alleging it demonstrated insensitivity towards the Northeast. Sarma claimed Gandhi’s refusal to wear the traditional patka was “deeply insensitive and insulting,” escalating calls for an apology to the people of the region.
He pointed out that every dignitary present, including the President and the Prime Minister, wore the patka with respect, while Gandhi’s decision allegedly highlighted a disregard for the region. The Congress party, however, dismissed such accusations, asserting that the BJP is using cultural symbols as a political tool ahead of pending elections. Kharge stated that the BJP’s actions are not truly aimed at preserving the dignity of the Northeast but are instead attempts to undermine the Congress and distract from more pressing issues.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/guwahati/rise-above-such-politics-gaurav-gogoi-defends-rahul-gandhi-amid-gamusa-row-1605639
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Publish Date: 2026-01-27 13:15:00
