According to the Indian Alliance Paris, a public meeting held in Paris on Saturday, September 5, addressed the international spread of Hindu nationalism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and focused on the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha sect ahead of its large temple opening in a Paris suburb. The gathering preceded a brief closure of the Eiffel Tower on Monday following a staff strike over female workers being removed and replaced by men during a private BAPS delegation tour of the Paris landmark, sparking intense political debate across France.
Paris Diaspora Groups Raise Awareness of BAPS Temple and Hindutva Ideology
The Indian Alliance Paris, alongside three other organisations including France’s CGT union, invited the French press to a public meeting on Saturday, September 5. According to IAP secretary Joy Banerjee, the event aimed to shed light on BAPS and the global expansion of Hindu nationalism, which has been turbocharged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. Speakers included activists and researchers from France, the US, and India via video link, who discussed the sect’s conservative practices and close ties to पहुँच the Modi administration. Despite press releases and screenings, the event received minimal coverage in the French press until the Eiffel Tower labor dispute thrust the organization into the national spotlight.
https://x.com/vpecresse/status/2096976611207680480
Eiffel Tower Strike Halts Private Tour and Prompts Political Fallout
According to news reports, the Eiffel Tower was closed on Monday after staff went on strike over female workers being removed and replaced by men during a private BAPS delegation tour. The landmark reopened on Tuesday, while BAPS released a statement noting that, to their knowledge, access to the Eiffel Tower was denied to no one, though they sincerely apologised for any pain or inconvenience caused. The incident drew immediate reactions from French politicians eyeing the 2027 election. Socialist Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire promised an investigation, while Île-de-France regional president Valérie Pécresse expressed shock on X. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen also commented, stating that in France, they will never accept that the presence of women be limited.
https://x.com/MLP_officiel/status/2097022156865442281
Did you know?
The BAPS temple on the outskirts of Paris is believed to be the biggest in Europe built in the traditional style. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated it on Sunday with a video message delivered by the Indian prime minister, hailing it as a symbol of bilateral cooperation.
Global Expansion of BAPS and Prior Controversies Abroad
The sect has faced scrutiny outside France as well.
Concerns Over Far-Right Backlash and Strategic Partnerships
Following the Eiffel Tower incident, the IAP took to X on Tuesday morning to warn that the Eiffel Tower story must not become fodder for more racism, emphasizing that BAPS does not represent all Hindus and it certainly does not represent India. Sunita Viswanath, co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights, expressed disappointment that French authorities did not pay closer attention to the sect’s background before approving the project. Meanwhile, local leaders like Valérie Pécresse stated that the BAPS temple was part of the strategic partnership between India and France.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Eiffel Tower closure?
Staff went on strike on Monday after female workers were removed and replaced by men during a private tour of the Paris landmark by a BAPS delegation.
What is BAPS?
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnavite sect of Hinduism founded in 1907.
How did Indian authorities respond to the incident?
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a New Delhi media briefing that the matter is purely between the entities concerned and that it is a common practice for the prime minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions virtually.
Did French officials comment on the controversy?
Yes. Figures including Socialist Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, Île-de-France President Valérie Pécresse, and French far-right leader Marine Le Pen publicly addressed the situation.
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your perspective in the comments below, explore our ongoing coverage of international diplomacy, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates.
Worth a look