Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his decision not to wear a traditional North Eastern Patka at the Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Khera shared a photo of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attending the event without the Patka and asked on X: “Will you seek an apology from @rajnathsingh ji too?” He accused Sarma of raising “non-issues” ahead of Assam’s upcoming assembly elections.

The controversy began after the BJP alleged that Gandhi’s choice was disrespectful to North Eastern culture, noting that the headgear was worn by the President, Prime Minister, and foreign dignitaries. Sarma described Gandhi’s action as “deeply insensitive and insulting” to the region’s heritage, stating on X: “Times may change, but the attitude of the de facto supremo of the Congress party… regrettably appears unchanged.” He added that it reinforced perceptions of disregard toward the North East, affecting Congress’s trust in the region.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore also shared Singh’s photo, urging the BJP to stop politicizing the issue.