Rahul Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, refused to wear a traditional gamosa during the at-home reception by President Droupadid Murmu on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The Assamese gamosa is a symbol of acceptance, humility and honour for many northeastern states’ residents. The refusal of Rahul to wear it even after being repeatedly asked by the Indian President and others is seen by many in the political circles as a huge error in judgment.
What Was The Rahul Gandhi Controversy?
Gamosa, the handwoven cotton scraf, was presented to each attendee at the President’s hosted event. The list of dignitaries who worn the gamosa included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and many other prominent political leaders.
President Murmu twice asked Rahul to wear the gamosa and even discussed its cultural significance. However, Rahul Gandhi declined both times despite a personal request from the country’s President herself.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blasted Rahul, saying his actions were deeply disrespectful and shameful. BJP remarked that the actions of Rahul insulted Northeastern culture and his no to the personal request of the President was baffling.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore remarked that the BJP has special hatred for opposition leaders, especially Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Tagore remarked that Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoS Education, Jitin Prasada and Rajnath Singh were also seen in a video by Kiren Rijiju as not wearing the gamosa.
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Assam CM’s Reaction
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked that the attitude of Rahul Gandhi over time appears unchanged. The Assam CM added the gamosa is more than just a simple piece of cloth and added that Rahul disrespected the country’s President and the North East region.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked the Congress and Rahul Gandhi prioritize position and parivar over constitutional principles and public opinion.
Would Rahul Gandhi’s refusal to wear the Assamese gamosa hurt the chances of Congress in the upcoming Assam state polls?
