MEA distances itself from Eiffel Tower-BAPS row, says dispute is ‘between entities concerned’
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said it was aware of the inauguration of a temple by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the Paris region and the controversy that followed a delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower.
However, the ministry distanced itself from the dispute, saying the issue concerning the Eiffel Tower was "purely between the entities concerned".
"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," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
MEA explains PM Modi’s virtual address
Jaiswal also addressed questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's virtual message at the inauguration of the BAPS temple.
He said it was common for the Prime Minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions and that Modi's message should not be linked to the controversy surrounding the Eiffel Tower visit.
#WATCH | Delhi: On reports that women employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to avoid certain areas during the BAPS delegation’s visit, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are aware of the opening of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha in the Paris area. As to the… pic.twitter.com/AlJmCVg2A7
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2026
"It is a common practice for the Prime Minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions. In this case, it was done virtually. There is no cause for any comment in this regard," Jaiswal said.
His remarks came amid reports that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were allegedly removed from certain positions or areas during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation's delegation.
Eiffel Tower staff protest alleged sidelining of women
The controversy escalated after Eiffel Tower employees went on strike following the incident.
In a statement, staff members condemned what they described as "professional instructions that led to female employees being sidelined, replaced, and rendered invisible based on their gender" during the delegation's visit.
According to the statement, some female employees were allegedly asked to leave their posts and move to other areas, while men replaced them at certain positions.
The staff also alleged that female employees were instructed not to pass through or cross specific areas while the delegation was present.
The allegations have triggered a wider debate over workplace equality and the treatment of women employees during private or official visits to major public landmarks in France.
What is BAPS?
According to information on its website, BAPS describes itself as a spiritual and volunteer-driven fellowship focused on individual development and social improvement through Hindu values of faith, service and global harmony.
The organisation is a registered charitable trust in India and has NGO status in consultative association with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
The BAPS temple in the Paris area was recently inaugurated, with Prime Minister Modi delivering a virtual address for the occasion.
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