Matter between them: India distances itself from Eiffel Tower row over BAPS visit

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday distanced itself from the controversy surrounding a BAPS delegation's visit to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, saying that the issue was a matter between the entities concerned.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was responding to questions about allegations that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to move away from their workstations during a private visit by members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

"We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the particular issue pertaining to the Tower, this is a matter purely between the entities concerned," Jaiswal said.

The controversy erupted after Eiffel Tower staff went on strike on Monday following allegations that female employees had been moved away from certain areas during a BAPS delegation's visit on Saturday. The landmark was temporarily closed to visitors before reopening on Tuesday.

The visit involved around 100 people associated with BAPS, which was in France for the opening of its first major Hindu temple in the country. The Eiffel Tower's operating company acknowledged that a request had been made to limit interactions with female employees and said such conditions should not have been accepted.

BAPS has apologised over the incident and said it took the concerns raised seriously. The organisation maintained that the visit had been coordinated with Eiffel Tower teams and that, to its knowledge, no one had been denied access to the monument.

The incident has also triggered strong reactions from French political leaders. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire called the reported treatment of female employees unacceptable and announced an investigation. Other French leaders also criticised the alleged sidelining of women, stressing the country's commitment to gender equality.

Jaiswal was also asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual address at the inauguration of the BAPS temple near Paris. He said it was common practice for the Prime Minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions.

"In this case, it was done virtually. There is no cause for any comment in this regard," Jaiswal said.

The Eiffel Tower row comes amid the opening of the BAPS Hindu temple near Paris, with the controversy over the treatment of women employees now being examined by French authorities.