Guwahati, Jan 27: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday demanded an “unconditional apology” from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he refused to wear a traditional ‘Patka’ during President Droupadi Murmu’s ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sarma termed the reported refusal as insensitive, stating that the ‘Patka’, a traditional scarf associated with Manipur and the Northeast, represents the region’s cultural heritage. He pointed out that the scarf was worn by the President, the Prime Minister, and several foreign dignitaries at the event.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Rahul Gandhi’s action reflected a continued disregard for the Northeast. He further linked the incident to what he described as the Congress party’s declining public trust in the region.

Sarma asserted that Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the people of the Northeast, stating that the region deserves respect and recognition of its cultural traditions.