Two separate controversies linked to Republic Day celebrations triggered sharp political reactions on Tuesday, with the Congress and the BJP trading accusations over issues involving constitutional values, cultural respect and political intent.
Cong criticises Maha Minister for omitting Ambedkar's name in R-Day speech
In Maharashtra, the Congress condemned Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan for failing to mention Dr B.R. Ambedkar in his Republic Day address in Nashik. Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar termed the omission a "gross insult" to the architect of the Constitution and called it a "stain on Maharashtra's progressive identity".
"On the day the Constitution came into force, forgetting Dr Ambedkar is unacceptable. It reflects a Manuvadi and anti-Maharashtra mindset," Wadettiwar alleged, accusing the BJP of disrespecting constitutional values.
The issue escalated when Madhavi Jadhav, a Maharashtra Forest Department officer, publicly confronted Mahajan after the flag-hoisting ceremony, questioning the omission. Police briefly detained her following the confrontation, but she was later released.
Jadhav stood firm, saying the protest was about constitutional pride. "I will not allow Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy to be erased. I don't care about transfer or suspension," she told reporters.
The incident sparked widespread political backlash. Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi leaders rallied behind Jadhav, with VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar demanding action against the minister. Many officials and citizens praised her for "defending constitutional values".
Mahajan later termed the omission unintentional and apologised, saying he regularly honours Dr Ambedkar and has installed statues of both Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his constituency. However, Wadettiwar warned the state government against taking any punitive action against Jadhav.
'Exposed his hateful thinking': BJP slams Rahul Gandhi for not wearing 'patka' despite President's request
Meanwhile in Delhi, the BJP criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional North-Eastern 'patka' during a Republic Day event, claiming it was done despite a request from President Droupadi Murmu.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo accused Gandhi of disrespecting the Northeast. "Foreign diplomats wore the Assamese patta, but Rahul Gandhi did not. This reflects a hateful mindset towards the region," he said.
Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi accused the Congress leadership of "feudal arrogance", while Sudhir Mungantiwar said declining the President's suggestion showed disregard for cultural traditions.
The Congress rejected the allegations, calling the controversy politically motivated. Congress leader Hussain Dalwai said several leaders, including BJP leaders and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also did not wear the patka. "Only Rahul Gandhi is being targeted unnecessarily," he said.
Former MP and senior advocate Majeed Memon added that the issue was being used as a political tool rather than a genuine cultural concern.
The 'patka' is regarded as a symbol of pride across several North-Eastern states, representing the region's cultural heritage.
(With inputs from IANS)
