Another lie by Himanta Biswa Sarma: Debabrata Saikia rebuts Assam CM’s claims in Rahul Gandhi patka row

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia on January 27 rebutted allegations by Himanta Biswa Sarma that Rahul Gandhi had disrespected Northeast traditions by not wearing the ‘Northeast Patka’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s “At Home” reception on Republic Day.

Responding to claims made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Saikia dismissed the allegation as “deliberately misleading” and accused the Chief Minister of spreading falsehoods for political mileage. He asserted that visual evidence available across media platforms clearly shows Rahul Gandhi wearing the traditional patka during the event, before later folding and carrying it respectfully in his hands.

Saikia alleged that the Chief Minister was attempting to manufacture controversy without factual basis. “This is yet another lie being spread by the Chief Minister, who himself has publicly admitted in the past that he may speak a thousand lies,” Saikia said.

Highlighting what he described as selective outrage, the Congress leader pointed out that several senior BJP leaders present at the same event, including Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were not seen wearing the patka or gamosa—symbols often cited by the BJP as representations of Northeast culture. Saikia questioned why similar standards were not being applied in those cases.

He further accused the Chief Minister of being politically motivated and targeting the Gandhi family without justification. “The Chief Minister appears determined to project himself as the foremost critic of the Gandhi family, even if it means distorting facts,” Saikia said, calling the episode unfortunate and unnecessary.


Visuals from the reception showed Gandhi as the only prominent guest not wearing the traditional patka, triggering sharp reactions, particularly from Assam. 

As criticism mounted, Congress sources sought to clarify Gandhi’s conduct at the event, claiming that he did, in fact, wear the Northeastern 'Patka' briefly. 

A source close to Rahul Gandhi said that he accepted the 'Patka' and put it on initially, but later removed it while seated and placed it on the table. “He did wear the 'Patka' but while sitting, he took it off and kept it aside,” the source claimed.

The clarification came amid widespread circulation of video footage showing Gandhi holding the patka in his hand rather than wearing it. 

In the same visuals, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge can be seen wearing the patka while standing next to Gandhi, a contrast that further fuelled the controversy. 

Critics pointed out that Gandhi accepted the patka but chose not to keep it on, unlike other leaders present at the function.

Countering the BJP’s attack on Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Pawan Khera drew attention to a photograph of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the same event. Questioning Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks, Khera wrote on social media, tagging the Chief Minister, and asked whether he would also demand an apology from Rajnath Singh for not wearing the Northeastern traditional patka. He further questioned whether raising such issues was part of a strategy to deflect attention from anti-incumbency by turning non-issues into political controversies.

Meanwhile, voices from the Northeast have also raised a parallel concern regarding the authenticity of the 'Patka' itself. 

Several people from the region expressed reservations, noting that it remains unclear which specific state or community the patka represents, as headgear and traditional scarves vary widely across Northeastern cultures. 

The ‘At Home Reception’ at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26  was attended by the Prime Minister, European Union leaders, foreign diplomats and other dignitaries. With the event dedicated to showcasing the culture of the Northeast, guests were presented with traditional Northeastern 'Patka' as part of the theme, making attire a focal point of public and political scrutiny.