'How will he uphold Bharat Mata's honour?' BJP targets Rahul for paying tribute to Indira Gandhi’s statue with shoes on

Rahul Gandhi's visit followed just three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering of women at Bhopal's Jamboree Ground.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offering floral tributes to the statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi without removing his shoes in Bhopal has evoked reactions from the Madhya Pradesh unit of BJP.

"Rahul Gandhi did not remove his shoes while paying tribute to his grandmother, Indira Gandhi. It didn't quite sit right. This goes against our cultural values. He should be a little more mindful of such things,” said Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Gandhi paid the tribute before entering the Madhya Pradesh Congress headquarters for a series of key meetings.

Congress state president Jitu Patwari, who was also present at the venue, had removed his footwear before offering his tribute.

BJP leader Hitesh Vajpayee also said, "One who doesn't even pause to remove his shoes while offering flowers to his father's mother - how will he ever uphold the honour of Bharat Mata? What will the Congress do with such an uncultured Rahul Gandhi,” he told ANI.

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(@VishvasSarang) June 3, 2025

The Congress, in return, launched a counter-attack on the BJP.

"The BJP's mindset has become extremely narrow. This is the same BJP and RSS that carry their own flag instead of the national tricolor. A person's character is reflected in their emotions and intentions, how much they remember and honour their ancestors, and how they uphold their legacy. You'll see all of that in Rahul Gandhi. The BJP should look inward before questioning others," said State Youth Congress President Mitendra Darshan Singh.

Gandhi's visit followed just three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large gathering of women at Bhopal's Jamboree Ground.