‘Patka’ Row: BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi, Congress Hits Back at Rajnath Singh Question

New Delhi, January 26, 2026: A debate has erupted between the BJP and Congress over the wearing of the traditional Assamese ‘patka’ at a Rashtrapati Bhavan reception. The controversy arose after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly did not wear the patka presented to all guests at the event, prompting BJP criticism that he disrespected the North-East and President Draupadi Murmu.

The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took to X to express his disapproval. “Times may change, but unfortunately, the attitude of Congress Party’s supreme leader Rahul Gandhi seems unchanged. Not wearing the traditional patka, a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the North-East, at an event hosted by the Hon’ble President of India, was deeply insensitive and disrespectful,” he wrote.

Sarma added, “While all other dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, and foreign guests, wore the patka with pride, Rahul Gandhi stood apart, reinforcing a sense of neglect towards the North-East. This behaviour reflects why his party has lost the trust of this region and a large part of the country. Rahul Gandhi must unconditionally apologize to the people of the North-East for this insult.”

BJP Voices Criticism

BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla echoed Sarma’s sentiments on X, saying, “Shameful! Rahul Gandhi has insulted the North-East and shown disrespect to the Hon’ble President.”

Congress Retaliates

Congress, however, hit back at the BJP. Party leader Pawan Kheda questioned why similar criticism was not directed at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also did not wear a patka. Posting Singh’s photo, Kheda asked Sarma, “Will you demand an apology from Rajnath Singh as well, or is this just part of your anti-incumbency strategy to raise frivolous issues?”

Kheda further defended Rahul Gandhi, highlighting his consistent support for the North-East. “Rahul Gandhi has always shown moral courage and stood by our brothers and sisters in the North-East—whether with Manipur during its crises when the Prime Minister was silent, with Zubeen Garg’s family seeking justice, or with Angel Chakma’s family still awaiting accountability,” he wrote.

He added that Sarma’s criticism was politically motivated: “It is no surprise that Himanta Biswa Sarma hides behind photo-ops. The North-East seeks peace, justice, employment, and respect for its rich, complex culture—things the BJP-RSS ecosystem has deliberately undermined. Assam votes for accountability, not appearances, which is why BJP resorts to diversionary tactics.”

Earlier, Congress had accused the BJP-led government of insulting opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The party claimed that during the Republic Day programme at Kartavya Path, its leaders were seated in the third row, and shared photographs of the alleged protocol violations to substantiate their complaint.