India Responds to Eiffel Tower Controversy

India has responded to the controversy surrounding a visit by representatives of BAPS to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Ministry of External Affairs said the matter was between the organisations concerned and that the Indian government would not comment on the issue. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the inauguration of the newly built BAPS Hindu temple in the Paris region, but clarified that the Eiffel Tower controversy was an issue between the concerned parties.

Around 100 BAPS representatives visited the Eiffel Tower as part of events linked to the inauguration of the new Hindu temple. During the visit, allegations emerged that female employees were removed from their work areas and instructed not to enter certain sections. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced that an investigation would be launched into the matter. BAPS later apologised over the controversy, saying the visit had been coordinated with the Eiffel Tower management in advance to avoid inconvenience to other visitors. The organisation denied any intention of discriminating against women and said no one was prevented from entering the Eiffel Tower.