The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reacted to the controversy surrounding the cancellation of a proposed Diwali celebration organised by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue while responding to questions about the reported cancellation. He described the matter as being “between the entities concerned”, indicating that the dispute primarily involves the organisations directly connected with the event.
The controversy emerged after reports that a BAPS Diwali event planned at the Eiffel Tower had been cancelled. The development triggered reactions from members of the Indian diaspora and supporters of the organisation, with questions being raised over the circumstances surrounding the cancellation.
The proposed event was intended to bring together members of the Indian community in Paris for Diwali celebrations at one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. BAPS has a significant global presence and regularly organises cultural and community events.
The MEA's response comes amid wider attention to the issue on social media and among the Indian community in France. However, the ministry has not indicated that the Indian government is directly involved in the dispute.
The Eiffel Tower remains one of Paris's major cultural and tourist landmarks, and events held at or around the site are subject to arrangements and decisions by the relevant authorities and venue management.
The latest MEA statement suggests that the government currently views the matter as an issue to be resolved by the parties directly concerned.
