Controversy erupted after the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party of failing to wear a traditional North-Eastern patka during the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, triggering sharp political reactions and claims of cultural insensitivity.The allegation, amplified by the BJP’s Information and Technology head Amit Malviya, centres on photographs and video clips from the ceremonial gathering hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Malviya alleged on social media platform X that Gandhi appeared without the customary stole representing the North-Eastern states, despite protocol arrangements that included traditional attire. He further claimed that the President reminded Gandhi twice during the reception to wear the patka, an assertion that has since become the focal point of political debate.
According to the BJP, the patka symbolises the cultural identity of the North-Eastern region and is often worn by dignitaries to reflect inclusivity and respect. Party leaders described Gandhi’s alleged omission as “insulting” and “deeply insensitive” to the people of the region, arguing that symbolic gestures carry weight, particularly at constitutionally significant events such as Republic Day receptions. The party’s spokespersons stressed that the ‘At Home’ ceremony is not merely social but steeped in protocol and symbolism tied to national unity.
The charge that the episode has widened political fault lines surfaced quickly as opposition leaders questioned both the accuracy and the intent behind the BJP’s claims. Congress leaders dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that Gandhi has consistently engaged with leaders and communities from the North-Eastern states and has publicly acknowledged the region’s cultural diversity. They argued that reducing respect for a region to a single sartorial choice trivialises deeper issues of development, representation and policy engagement.
No official confirmation has been issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan regarding the claim that the President personally reminded Gandhi to wear the patka. Constitutional experts note that the President’s office typically refrains from commenting on partisan controversies, particularly those arising from political interpretations of ceremonial events. The absence of a formal statement has not prevented the issue from gaining traction across political and media circles.
The episode has also revived a broader conversation on symbolism in public life. Political analysts point out that attire at state functions often carries layered meanings, particularly in a country as diverse as India, where regional representation is frequently expressed through clothing and rituals. Over the years, leaders across party lines have made deliberate choices to wear regional garments at national events to signal inclusiveness. At the same time, analysts caution against over-politicising ceremonial protocols, arguing that intent and context should be weighed carefully.
Leaders from North-Eastern states offered mixed responses. Some regional BJP leaders echoed the party’s criticism, saying symbolic recognition matters in a region that has long sought greater visibility at the national level. Others, including voices from civil society, urged restraint, warning that cultural symbols should not be weaponised for political point-scoring. They stressed that respect for the region should be assessed through sustained policy focus, infrastructure development and social inclusion rather than a single moment at a formal event.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of heightened political sensitivity ahead of crucial electoral contests, where symbolism and perception often play outsized roles. The BJP has increasingly highlighted cultural and national symbols as part of its political messaging, while the Congress has sought to counter by emphasising pluralism and constitutional values. Observers say the patka row fits into this larger narrative battle over who best represents unity in diversity.