MEA distance itself from Eiffel Tower BAPS temple controversy
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has described the controversy surrounding a BAPS delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower as a matter between the organisations directly involved.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the inauguration of a BAPS Hindu temple in the Paris region but said the ministry would not comment on the specific dispute linked to the Eiffel Tower.
“We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the particular issue pertaining to the Tower, this is a matter purely between the entities concerned,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing in New Delhi.
The controversy erupted after reports that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to move away from their regular work areas during a visit by around 100 people associated with BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
French union representatives reportedly objected to arrangements under which some women were moved to different areas while certain duties were temporarily assigned to male employees. There were also allegations that female staff had been instructed not to cross particular areas while the delegation was present.
The reported incident resulted in a staff protest, and the Eiffel Tower was closed for a day before reopening to visitors.
The company operating the landmark, Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, later acknowledged that the delegation had requested limited interaction with female employees. The operator said such arrangements should not have been permitted.
BAPS has since expressed regret over the controversy and said it was taking the concerns raised by Eiffel Tower employees seriously. The organisation said the visit had been coordinated with the tower’s teams and scheduled around the start of normal operating hours to reduce disruption.
BAPS also said that, to its knowledge, no visitor had been denied access to the Eiffel Tower. It apologised to anyone who may have been affected by the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to mutual respect and service.
The controversy has drawn criticism from several senior French political figures. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire described the reported arrangements as unacceptable and said an investigation would be undertaken.
National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet also criticised the reported treatment of female employees, saying demands from foreign visitors should not result in women being asked to step aside.
France’s Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, Aurore Berge, called the incident unacceptable and stressed that gender equality remains a fundamental principle in the country.
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also criticised the reported restrictions, saying cultural or religious beliefs should not determine the position of women in public spaces.
The BAPS delegation was in France in connection with the opening of a new Hindu temple near Paris. The organisation has described the BAPS Hindu Mandir of Paris as its first traditional Hindu temple in France.
