Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Bhopal on Tuesday (June 3) for the ‘Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan’ triggered a political controversy after he offered floral tribute to his late grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while wearing shoes. The gesture, made outside the Congress office at Indira Bhavan ahead of a key party meeting, drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders who accused him of disregarding Indian traditions.
‘An insult to Indian culture’
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was among the first to object, saying, “Rahul Gandhi did not remove his shoes while paying tribute to his grandmother. This goes against our cultural values.” He added that while everyone has the right to visit any state in a democracy, leaders must respect local traditions and customs. “BJP has earned people’s trust through its values and discipline, not theatrics,” he said.
BJP accuses Rahul of political theatrics
BJP minister Vishvas Sarang went a step further, alleging that Gandhi had not just offered but “thrown” flowers on Indira Gandhi’s portrait — something he called “Italian culture”, alleging that the Gandhi scion followed Italian, not Indian, customs. “He still hasn’t imbibed Indian values. He insulted his grandmother in public view,” Sarang said in a strongly worded statement. He further went on to say that Rahul Gandhi’s visit was “political tourism”
BJP’s official handles amplified the criticism, framing Gandhi’s actions as emblematic of Congress’s disconnect with Indian ethos.
Congress focuses on party revival
In contrast, the Congress downplayed the criticism and shifted focus to the political agenda of the visit. Rahul Gandhi addressed the party’s Political Affairs Committee, engaging with senior leaders as part of Congress’s organisational revamp. Former CM Kamal Nath welcomed Gandhi to the state, saying, “His visit will infuse new energy into the Congress. We are moving towards rebuilding a stronger Madhya Pradesh.”
MPCC chief hails Rahul’s reformist push
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari called the day a significant moment in Indian politics. “Despite resistance from the BJP and the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi has brought the caste census back into national focus,” he said, adding that the Congress is determined to raise the voice of the marginalised.
As the war of words continues, BJP leaders have demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi before he leaves Bhopal, calling the incident “deeply disrespectful”.
