A traditional Assamese gamucha at a Republic Day event has sparked a political storm. Amit Shah questioned Rahul Gandhi’s intent and the Assam Congress’ silence but the Congress says the issue is being selectively politicised.
Rahul Gandhi disrespected Northeast culture, says Amit Shah
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and its leadership in Assam, questioning the party’s silence over what he described as Rahul Gandhi’s disregard for the state’s cultural traditions during the President’s Republic Day reception.
Speaking at a public programme in Dibrugarh, Shah intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s criticism of the Opposition over the ongoing controversy related to the Assamese gamucha, a traditional scarf that holds deep cultural significance across Assam and the Northeast.
Referring to visuals from the Republic Day reception that went viral on social media, Shah claimed that Rahul Gandhi was the only prominent leader who did not wear the gamucha during the event.
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“Only Rahul Gandhi did not put on the Northeast gamucha. What kind of enmity does he have with the Northeast?” Shah asked, questioning why the Assam Congress leadership had not spoken up on the issue.
He contrasted Gandhi’s actions with those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the Prime Minister has often worn the gamucha at national and international forums, including at the United Nations, to honour the culture of the region.
Shah stressed that no individual could undermine the cultural identity of the Northeast through personal actions. “Rahul Gandhi may do what he wishes, but the culture of the Northeast will continue to flourish,” he said, asserting that regional traditions were far stronger than political controversies.
The issue gained momentum after BJP leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accused Rahul Gandhi of displaying an “anti-Northeast” mindset.
The Congress, however, rejected the allegations, saying Rahul Gandhi had initially worn the traditional patka and removed it later while seated. The party also pointed out that several leaders present at the event, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were seen without the gamucha at various moments.
Congress leaders accused the BJP of selectively politicising a ceremonial occasion to create controversy.
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Expanding his critique beyond the cultural row, Shah accused the Congress of encouraging illegal immigration in border states like Assam to strengthen its political base. “By allowing illegal immigration, the Congress only worked to consolidate its vote bank,” he alleged.
During the event, Shah also lauded the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government for its administrative decisions, including the move to designate Dibrugarh as the state’s second capital. He said the laying of the foundation stone for a new legislative assembly complex would strengthen the city’s political and administrative standing.
The remarks added fresh political heat to an already charged debate ahead of key political developments in the region.
