Union Home Minister Amit Shah Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Over Gamosa Refusal
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a sharp criticism against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of displaying "enmity with the people of the northeast" by refusing to wear a traditional 'gamosa' presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Republic Day 'At Home' reception. The political controversy has gained significant traction in Assam, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also demanding an unconditional apology from the Congress leader.
The Symbolic Importance of the Gamosa
Addressing a rally in Dibrugarh, Shah emphasized that the gamosa holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of respect in Assam and throughout the northeastern region. He pointed out that at the Rashtrapati Bhavan event, numerous dignitaries including European Union leaders wore the traditional scarf, making Gandhi's refusal particularly conspicuous.
"The 'gamosa' is a symbol of respect in Assam and the northeast. At the Rashtrapati Bhavan, everyone, including EU leaders wore it, but Rahul Gandhi was the only person who refused," Shah stated during his public address. He interpreted Gandhi's action as a direct disrespect toward the region's cultural heritage and posed pointed questions about the Congress leader's motivations.
Political Reactions and Demands for Apology
The controversy has created substantial political waves in Assam, where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier demanded an unconditional apology from Rahul Gandhi for what he described as "insulting the sentiments of the people of the North East." Sarma took to social media platform X on January 26 to express his disapproval of Gandhi's conduct.
"Times may change, but the attitude of the de facto supremo of the Congress party, Mr Rahul Gandhi, regrettably appears unchanged. In an act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of the entire North East, Mr. Gandhi chose not to wear the traditional Patka, a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage, at the reception hosted by the Hon'ble President of India this evening," Sarma wrote in his post.
The Chief Minister further connected this incident to broader political dynamics, suggesting that such behavior explains why the Congress party has lost trust both in the northeastern region and across much of the country. He emphasized the need for consistent respect toward the people of Northeast India.
Broader Implications for Regional Politics
Amit Shah used the occasion to reinforce the Bharatiya Janata Party's commitment to protecting cultural values in the northeast. "I want to ask Congress why Rahul did not put on the scarf. What enmity does he have with the people of the northeast? Rahul can do whatever he wants, but as long as BJP is in politics, no one can shake the cultural values of northeast," Shah declared during his rally speech.
The incident highlights several important dimensions:
- The cultural significance of traditional garments like the gamosa in Assam and Northeast India
- The political symbolism attached to such gestures during official state functions
- The ongoing political tensions between the BJP and Congress in northeastern states
- The importance of cultural sensitivity in national political leadership
Chief Minister Sarma's social media post elaborated further on these themes, stating: "Such conduct explains why his party has lost the trust of the region and much of the country. Yet, this repeated insensitivity continues. Mr Rahul Gandhi must issue an unconditional apology to the people of the North East for this affront. The people of the region deserve respect."
This controversy emerges at a time when political parties are increasingly attentive to cultural symbolism and regional sensitivities, particularly in India's northeastern states where traditional practices hold substantial social and political importance. The gamosa, traditionally a white cotton cloth with red borders, serves multiple purposes in Assamese culture—from being offered to guests as a mark of respect to being used in religious ceremonies and daily life.
