New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday reacted to the controversy surrounding a BAPS delegation's visit to the Eiffel Tower, saying the issue was a matter between the entities concerned.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the opening of a BAPS temple in the Paris area. He said the specific issue involving the Eiffel Tower did not require a comment from the Indian government.
The controversy emerged after allegations that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to leave certain work areas or avoid particular sections while the BAPS delegation was visiting. The Eiffel Tower was temporarily shut on Monday amid the dispute and reopened on Tuesday.
Jaiswal was also asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressing the inauguration of the BAPS temple. He said it was common practice for the Prime Minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions and that, in this case, the message was delivered virtually.
BAPS said its visit to the Eiffel Tower had been coordinated in advance with the monument's teams during its opening hours. The organisation said it was not aware of anyone being denied access and expressed regret to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced.
The company operating the Eiffel Tower said the delegation had requested that interactions with women be limited, while stressing that such a request should not have been accepted and reaffirming its commitment to equality between men and women.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.