Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has demanded an “unconditional apology” from the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for allegedly refusing to wear the traditional ‘Patka’ at an event hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic Day.In a post on ‘X’, Sarma said: “In an act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of the entire northeast, Gandhi chose not to wear the traditional Patka, a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage, at the ‘At Home’ reception hosted by the President this evening.”
‘Patka’ is a traditional scarf from Manipur.“…From the President and the Prime Minister to foreign dignitaries, everyone wore the Patka with respect and pride. Mr Gandhi alone stood apart, reinforcing a perception of disregard towards the North East,” he added.The CM further wrote that such a conduct explains why his party has ‘lost the trust of the region and much of the country.’“Rahul Gandhi must issue an unconditional apology to the people of the North East for this affront. The people of the region deserve respect,” he added.Meanwhile, he told the media here in Guwahati, “It is not for the first time that Rahul has refused to wear a traditional cloth. Whenever he comes to Assam, he refuses to wear a gamosa.”
