In his remarks in Parliament, Dubey targeted Rahul Gandhi's habitual preference for a simple white T-shirt (often described by critics as "tattered" or "shabby") paired with pants or khakis. Dubey argued that this style showed disrespect toward khadi—the hand-spun fabric symbolizing India's Swadeshi movement and self-reliance—and traditional Indian attire such as sarees, kurtas, or other formal wear historically associated with Congress leaders like Indira Gandhi. He contrasted it with the legacy of Congress's emphasis on such cultural symbols, implying that Gandhi's casual look undermined these values in the hallowed halls of Parliament.
Videos and clips of Dubey's comments quickly circulated on social media and news platforms, amplifying the remark as part of broader political sparring during the session.
Social media users and opposition supporters swiftly hit back, sharing photos and videos allegedly showing Dubey himself at a public or personal event dressed in a white Louis Vuitton top, dark jeans, loafers, and other high-end accessories. Reports on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms highlighted his wife, Anamika Gautam, appearing in a sheer saree accessorized with a pink Chanel handbag, oversized sunglasses (some claimed Ray-Ban), and jewelry from luxury brands like Gucci, Hermès, and Cartier. Netizens estimated these items to cost several lakhs of rupees (or more), labeling the ensemble as imported luxury rather than Swadeshi or humble Indian wear.
The rapid online backlash accused Dubey of hypocrisy: slamming Rahul Gandhi for not embracing khadi and traditional attire while himself opting for expensive foreign brands. Posts mocked the contrast, with captions like "Rahul Gandhi's simple T-shirt is anti-Swadeshi, but Nishikant Dubey's Louis Vuitton is peak patriotism" gaining traction.
Adding fuel to the fire, critics pointed to Godda's socioeconomic realities. The constituency in Jharkhand remains one of India's more deprived regions. While national Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) data from NITI Aayog shows Jharkhand's overall MPI headcount ratio has improved (from around 42% in earlier reports like 2021 to lower figures in recent updates, with Bihar and Jharkhand still among the highest), localized deprivation persists in rural areas like Godda, including challenges in health, education, and living standards.
Meanwhile, Nishikant Dubey's declared assets have drawn scrutiny. According to his 2024 Lok Sabha election affidavit (filed with the Election Commission), his total assets were valued at over ₹74 crore (movable assets around ₹30 crore+ and immovable around ₹43 crore+), marking a significant increase from previous declarations (e.g., around ₹46 crore in 2019). Critics juxtaposed this wealth—accumulated through business interests and other sources—with the poverty in his constituency, questioning the optics of luxury amid such disparities.
Defenders of Dubey and some BJP supporters countered that **Parliament's decorum** traditionally calls for formal or Indian attire during sessions, distinguishing it from personal or public events where individual style choices are acceptable. They argued that Rahul Gandhi's consistent casual look in the House was the issue, not everyday fashion elsewhere, and dismissed the counter-attacks as deflection from substantive debates.
The episode underscores deeper ideological and cultural clashes in Indian politics: debates over symbolism (khadi as Swadeshi vs. modern/global fashion), hypocrisy allegations in public life, class contrasts in representation, and the role of attire in signaling respect for institutions and traditions. As the Budget Session continues amid heated exchanges (including other rows over books and disruptions), this attire controversy has become a viral flashpoint, reflecting polarized views on authenticity, privilege, and parliamentary propriety. No formal response from Dubey or Rahul Gandhi directly addressing the luxury brand backlash was immediately evident in public statements, though social media continues to buzz with memes and commentary.
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