After Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Rahul Gandhi for not wearing the ‘gamosa’ gifted by President Droupadi Murmu, BJP and JD(U) leaders expressed their backing, citing it as a sign of Gandhi’s alleged disrespect towards Northeastern and Assamese people. The controversy arose when Shah, speaking in Dibrugarh, Assam, highlighted Gandhi’s refusal to wear the traditional gamosa, labeling it as a disregard for the region’s culture.
Shah emphasized that while all attendees, including foreign dignitaries, honored the tradition by wearing the gamosa as a mark of respect, Rahul Gandhi chose not to. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma termed the incident regrettable, stressing the gamosa’s significance as a symbol of Assam and national respect. He pointed out Gandhi’s absence from key national events, questioning his commitment to regional sentiments.
In response, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned Gandhi’s behavior on Republic Day as ‘shameful’ and concerning, noting his failure to wear the gamosa despite a request from the President. JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad highlighted the importance of symbolic gestures in fostering state-Centre relations, criticizing Gandhi for not embracing regional identities effectively.
The Congress refuted the accusations, with state president Deepak Baij pointing out that even Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had not worn a gamosa on the same occasion. Baij criticized Amit Shah for targeting others without addressing similar instances within his party, dismissing the allegations as politically motivated and reflective of the BJP’s narrow outlook.
