Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Gamosa Controversy: BJP vs Congress Clash
There was a big argument between the BJP and Congress parties in India.
It started because Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not wear a traditional cloth called a Gamosa at a special event hosted by the President.
The BJP said he did not wear it because he does not respect the northeast part of India.
The Congress said he did wear it but took it off later.
The Gamosa is a special cloth from Assam, and the BJP and Congress have different opinions about what happened.
The Assam Chief Minister also said it was very insensitive of Rahul Gandhi not to wear the Gamosa.
The BJP also said that the seating arrangement at the Republic Day parade was not meant to demean anyone, but the Congress said it was a protocol lapse.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of spreading false propaganda to destroy Rahul Gandhi's image.
He also mentioned that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not wear the Gamosa either.
Kharge claimed that the government insulted them by seating them in the third row during the Republic Day parade.
A political row erupted over Rahul Gandhi allegedly not wearing an Assamese ‘Gamosa’ at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day.
The BJP alleged that Gandhi insulted the Northeast by not wearing the Gamosa, while the Congress countered that he did wear it but took it off later.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of spreading false propaganda to destroy Rahul Gandhi's image.
Kharge also claimed that the government insulted Gandhi and himself by seating them in the third row during the Republic Day parade.
The BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said Gandhi had insulted the Northeast and disrespected the President, while the Congress hit back by pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also did not wear the Gamosa.
- Who
- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders, Congress leaders, President Droupadi Murmu, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, Congress MP Manickam Tagore, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- What
- Controversy over Rahul Gandhi not wearing the Gamosa at an at-home reception
- When
- January 26, 2026
- Where
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Why
- BJP alleges Rahul Gandhi ignored the northeast, Congress calls it a 'fake drama'
BJP
Congress
Wearing the Gamosa
BJP
Rahul Gandhi refused to wear the Gamosa despite being asked twice by the President, showing disrespect to Northeastern culture and the President.
Congress
Rahul Gandhi wore the Gamosa but may have taken it off later, denying the allegations of disrespect.
Seating Arrangement at Republic Day Parade
BJP
The seating arrangements were determined by a set mechanism and not intended to demean anyone.
Congress
The seating arrangement was a protocol lapse that demeaned Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
- Event
- At-home reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu
- Theme
- India's northeast, or 'Ashtalakshmi'
- Gamosa
- Assam's traditional white cloth with red borders and woven motifs
- GI Tag
- Granted in December 2022
- BJP Allegation
- Rahul Gandhi did not wear the Gamosa despite being asked twice by the President
- Congress Response
- Rahul Gandhi wore the Gamosa but may have taken it off later
- BJP Spokesperson
- Shehzad Poonawalla
- Congress MP
- Manickam Tagore
- Assam CM
- Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Congress President
- Mallikarjun Kharge
- Defence Minister
- Rajnath Singh
Sources
Rahul Gandhi's 'Gamosa' Behind Latest BJP vs Congress
‘Deeply insensitive’: Himanta Biswas says Rahul Gandhi insulted North East; Congress replies, ‘it’s fake drama’
‘Shameful Act’: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi for Snubbing Northeast Tradition, Rejecting 'Gamosa' Despite President’s Request
BJP Accuses, Congress Counters: Gamosa and Seating Row Arrangement Spark Republic Day Political Storm
The Patka Question: Why Rahul Gandhi's Gamosa — Or Lack Of It — Became A National Issue
Rahul Gandhi and the gamosa: How a Republic Day moment escalated into a national political debate
‘Rise above such politics’: Gaurav Gogoi defends Rahul Gandhi amid gamusa row
