Rahul Gandhi, however, was seen holding the gamosa in his hand as he walked alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had worn his on the shoulder. With the President hosting a Northeast-themed event, and with the Prime Minister and foreign guests wearing the cloth, Rahul Gandhi’s choice stood out. “Rahul Gandhi has insulted the Northeast and also disrespected our very hon’ble President,” he wrote on X. Congress leader Pawan Khera shared a photograph of defence minister Rajnath Singh at the same event, also without the patka, ON X. If Rahul Gandhi’s choice was insulting, why was a senior BJP cabinet minister not being held to the same standard, asked the Congress.

Source: The Telegraph January 27, 2026 14:52 UTC