MEA Responds to Controversy Over Removal of Women Staffers during BAPS Delegation Visit to Eiffel Tower

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the recent incident involving the removal of female staff members at the Eiffel Tower during a visit by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a matter strictly between the relevant parties. This clarification came after considerable backlash following the incident, which occurred when a delegation of approximately 100 individuals associated with the Hindu religious group visited the iconic monument in Paris.

During the delegation’s visit on Saturday, it was reported that some female employees at the Eiffel Tower were instructed to ‘make themselves invisible’ to accommodate the BAPS members. This directive led to a temporary work stoppage as Eiffel Tower staff protested the treatment of their colleagues, resulting in the landmark being closed to the public on Monday.

As context, the BAPS group was in France for the inauguration of their first major temple in the country, located in the suburbs of Paris. This significant event, attended virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further heightened the attention surrounding the delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower.

Responding to inquiries about the incident, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the temple’s opening, stating, “As to the particular issue pertaining to the Tower, this is a matter purely between the entities concerned.” His comments reflect the complexity of the situation, suggesting that the MEA will not intervene directly in the unfolding controversy.

The Eiffel Tower staff members expressed their concerns, revealing that some employees were asked to leave their posts and relocate to other areas during the visit. The staff’s protest underscores the ongoing tensions between cultural practices and workplace rights, particularly within a global context where such incidents can spark significant international dialogue.

Source: scroll.in