A political controversy broke out after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was accused of not wearing the Northeastern ‘patka’ during the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26. The event was themed around India’s Northeast, and guests were presented with traditional Northeastern patkas as part of the cultural showcase.
Visuals from the reception showed Gandhi holding the patka instead of wearing it, making him the only prominent leader at the event not seen with the traditional headgear. The images sparked criticism, particularly from Assam, with opponents accusing him of disrespecting Northeastern culture.
As the backlash intensified, Congress sources issued a clarification, stating that Gandhi had initially accepted and worn the patka but later removed it while seated and placed it on the table. “He did wear the patka initially, but took it off while sitting and kept it aside,” a source close to Gandhi said.
The controversy gained further traction as videos circulating online showed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wearing the patka while standing next to Gandhi, highlighting a visible contrast that critics seized upon. Opposition voices argued that while Gandhi accepted the patka, he chose not to continue wearing it, unlike several other leaders present.
Responding to attacks from the BJP, Congress leader Pawan Khera cited a photograph of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the same event, in which Singh was also not seen wearing the patka. Tagging Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media, Khera questioned whether similar demands for an apology would be made in Singh’s case. He further suggested that the issue was being amplified to divert attention from anti-incumbency concerns.
Separately, some voices from the Northeast raised questions about the authenticity of the patka itself. They pointed out that it was unclear which state or community the headgear represented, noting that traditional scarves and headgear vary significantly across the region’s diverse cultures.
The ‘At Home’ reception was attended by the Prime Minister, European Union leaders, foreign diplomats, and other dignitaries. With the focus on showcasing Northeastern culture, the attire of guests became a subject of heightened public and political attention.
