BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For 'Insulting' Northeast Culture By Not Wearing Patka At Rashtrapati Bhavan

This news report focuses on a fresh political controversy following the 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' from the Northeast, despite other dignitaries doing so. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the move as an 'act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The BJP claims that Rahul Gandhi did not oblige even after President Droupadi Murmu reminded him twice. In response, the Congress Party pointed out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was also not wearing the same patka during the event. The discussion highlights that the theme of the reception was focused on Northeastern culture and food. Critics argue that as a constitutional office holder, Rahul Gandhi should have embraced the cultural symbol, while the opposition labels the BJP's reaction as a political diversion.