A political row erupted on Republic Day, January 26, 2026, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen not wearing the traditional Assamese Gamosa at the “At Home” reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Gandhi, claiming that his refusal to wear the Gamosa, a symbol of respect and Assamese cultural pride, was an insult to the people of the Northeast. Party leaders released photographs showing most attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers, foreign dignitaries, and the President herself, wearing the traditional scarf. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Gandhi ignored repeated reminders and described the action as “disrespectful and insensitive.” BJP officials demanded an unconditional apology, asserting that Gandhi’s conduct hurt the sentiments of the region.
The Congress party rejected the allegations, stating that Gandhi did accept the Gamosa but later placed it on the table instead of wearing it. Party leaders pointed out that visuals also showed other leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, not wearing the patka without facing criticism. They called the BJP’s reaction a politically manufactured controversy, aimed at polarizing public opinion ahead of elections.
The debate quickly escalated into a larger political tussle, with both parties accusing each other of politicizing cultural symbols. Social media amplified the issue, with hashtags supporting and criticizing Gandhi trending across platforms. Analysts noted that the controversy highlights how symbolic gestures often become a point of contention during high-profile national events.
While the Gamosa controversy dominated headlines, observers also emphasized that the reception was attended by several Northeast leaders and dignitaries, many of whom appreciated the recognition of their culture through the gesture of presenting the scarf. The incident, however, underscores the sensitivity surrounding cultural symbols in Indian politics, particularly in regions with strong ethnic identities.
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