BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of 'Disrespecting' North-East Culture Over Scarf Row

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating political row between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Republic Day celebrations. The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of 'disrespecting the culture and people of the North-East' by allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' or scarf during the 'At Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The party further claimed that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha declined to wear the headgear despite requests from President Droupadi Murmu. In response, the Congress party has rejected these allegations, pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not wear the traditional scarf. The Congress further alleged that the BJP is 'staging a drama to divert attention from real issues' and urged the party to stop involving the President in political disputes. The programme examines the friction over protocol and cultural symbolism between the two major political parties.