Eiffel Tower Strike Sparks Controversy Over Hindu Sect BAPS and Political Polarization in France

This past week, a strike at the Eiffel Tower ignited a heated debate over the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu sect whose members were under scrutiny for their conservative practices. The incident has not only drawn the attention of French politicians but has also highlighted divisions within the Indian diaspora in France.

Strike Leads to Widespread Attention

The controversy erupted on September 5 when staff at the iconic Eiffel Tower went on strike in protest of the exclusion of female workers during a private tour by a BAPS delegation. This unexpected labor action resulted in the closure of the tower, forcing the media to focus on BAPS and its connections to Hindu nationalism. The sect had recently opened a significant new temple in a suburb of Paris, and many were concerned about the implications of its growing influence.

Progressive Groups Raise Alarm

Prior to the strike, the Indian Alliance Paris (IAP), along with other progressive organizations, attempted to raise awareness about the sect's conservative views, particularly regarding gender roles. They organized a public meeting in Paris, featuring activists and researchers from around the world, who aimed to inform the French public about the potential risks associated with the rise of Hindu nationalism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Political Reactions and Concerns

In the aftermath of the strike, French politicians from various parties quickly chimed in. Socialist Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire promised an investigation into the incident, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen condemned the exclusion of women. However, some members of the Indian diaspora expressed concern that the situation could be exploited by far-right factions to fuel anti-immigrant sentiments. The IAP promptly cautioned against allowing the narrative to devolve into racism, emphasizing that BAPS does not represent the entirety of Hinduism or the Indian community.

Source: www.france24.com