Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge dismisses BJP claims over Rahul Gandhi and the Assamese gamosa as “false propaganda,” calling it a bid to malign the LoP’s image amid Budget Session politics

A fresh political flashpoint has emerged after the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of disrespecting Assamese culture by not wearing a traditional gamosa at the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Pushing back sharply, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on January 27 rejected the charge as “manufactured outrage,” alleging a deliberate BJP effort to tarnish Gandhi’s image. Kharge said Gandhi initially had the gamosa but removed it while eating—something others did as well—and accused the ruling party of selectively amplifying visuals to spin a narrative.

Kharge also claimed the controversy was being inflated to distract from substantive issues as Parliament’s Budget Session begins. He criticised the BJP for what he called “cheap politics” and objected to dragging the President into a partisan debate.

The row has widened with Congress leaders also protesting seating arrangements during the Republic Day parade, while the BJP defended protocol and accused the opposition of entitlement. Beyond symbolism, the episode underscores how cultural markers are increasingly weaponised in political messaging—especially at moments of high visibility.

With legislative business underway, such flash controversies can crowd out policy debate. For parties, the risk is backlash among regional constituencies; for the public, it’s another reminder to separate optics from outcomes.