On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed allegations that female staff members at the Eiffel Tower were instructed to avoid specific areas during a visit by a delegation from the BAPS religious organization. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal indicated that this situation falls within the jurisdiction of the relevant parties involved.
Jaiswal’s comments came in response to inquiries regarding the closure of the Eiffel Tower on Monday, which occurred after reports surfaced that women employees were reportedly asked to limit their interactions during the BAPS group’s visit over the weekend. This led to a protest from staff and prompted an investigation by local authorities in Paris.
The spokesperson noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a virtual address during the inauguration of a temple by the BAPS Sanstha, adhering to the government’s customary practice of extending good wishes on significant occasions.
“We are aware of the temple opening by BAPS in the Paris region. However, the specific situation regarding the Eiffel Tower is a matter that involves the concerned entities alone,” Jaiswal stated.
He further clarified that it is standard for the Prime Minister to send greetings on such events, which in this instance were conveyed virtually, asserting there was no need for further commentary on the matter.
Following the BAPS group’s visit on Saturday, a protest erupted among staff members after women were allegedly told to vacate certain work areas during the delegation’s presence.
A local trade union condemned the directives, labeling them as discriminatory towards female employees based on gender, as reported by French media outlets.
In response to the backlash, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha issued a statement saying that the visit was planned during regular opening hours to minimize disruption, considering the large number of delegates.
The organization expressed that it took the raised concerns seriously and asserted that, to their knowledge, no individual had been barred from entering the Eiffel Tower. They apologized for any distress or inconvenience caused and emphasized their commitment to mutual respect and service.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire voiced his support for the protesting employees, describing the alleged exclusion of women as “unacceptable” and inconsistent with the values embodied by the Eiffel Tower. He announced that an investigation would be initiated promptly.
French Equality Minister Aurore Bergé also denounced the incident, stating that women in France should not be compelled to “erase themselves” and that no religious belief or doctrine supersedes the laws of the Republic.
Far-right politician Marine Le Pen asserted that France would not tolerate any limitations on women’s participation, while former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal emphasized that no culture, belief, or religion should dictate the role of women within France.
