GUWAHTI,25.01.2024:In a surprising turn of events, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Rahul Gandhi of showing disrespect during his recent visit to Batadrava Than, a revered religious site in the state. The CM claims that Gandhi had no intention of respecting local norms and traditions, as he chose to wear pants and a shirt instead of the traditional Dhoti, which is considered customary attire for such visits.
According to Sarma, wearing a Dhoti is a longstanding tradition when visiting Batadrava Than, and Gandhi’s decision to opt for Western attire is perceived as a deliberate act of disregard for local customs. The Chief Minister emphasized that if the Congress leader truly intended to pay his respects at the sacred site, he should have adhered to the customary dress code.
Furthermore, Sarma alleged that Rahul Gandhi selectively chose Batadrava Than for his visit while showing no interest in other significant religious and cultural landmarks in the region. The Chief Minister pointed out that Gandhi did not express any inclination to visit the Kamakhya Mandir, Dhubri’s Gurudwara, or Bhupen Hazarika’s Samadhi Sthali, raising questions about the sincerity of the Congress leader’s motives.
Sarma’s comments have sparked a controversy, with many questioning the political undertones of the allegations. Supporters of Rahul Gandhi argue that the focus should be on the substance of the visit rather than the choice of attire, suggesting that such criticisms are an attempt to distract from more critical issues.
In response to the controversy, Congress leaders have dismissed the allegations, emphasizing Gandhi’s right to choose his attire and expressing disappointment in the politicization of a religious visit. The party has asserted that Gandhi’s visit to Batadrava Than was driven by a genuine desire to connect with the people and understand their concerns.
As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the allegations will have any lasting impact on the political landscape in Assam and how it may influence public perception of Rahul Gandhi’s engagements in the state.
