Rahul ‘insulted’ northeast by not wearing Gamosa at reception hosted by President: BJP

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of insulting the northeast by not wearing a Gamosa at a presidential reception, sparking political backlash.

A political row erupted on Monday (January 26, 2026) over Rahul Gandhi allegedly refusing to wear an Assamese Gamosa given to all the guests at a reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, with the BJP alleging that the Congress leader insulted the country's northeast.

The BJP also accused the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha of showing disregard for Ms. Murmu by not wearing the Gamosa, while the Congress countered by pointing out that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also not worn the "patka [scarf]".

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma demanded an "unconditional apology" from Mr. Gandhi, alleging that it was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of the entire northeast, with the Congress leader choosing not to wear the traditional patka, which is a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage.

The development took place after a section of the media claimed that all guests except Mr. Gandhi wore the Gamosa presented to them at the event.

Citing certain media reports, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a post on X, "Shameful! Rahul Gandhi has insulted the northeast and also disrespected our very hon'ble President."

Hitting out at Mr. Gandhi, Mr. Sarma said times might change, but the attitude of the "de facto supremo" of the Congress "regrettably" appeared unchanged.