- The shutdown came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a temple built by BAPS in a Paris suburb.
- BAPS leaders, who were in Paris for the temple’s inauguration, specifically asked for women employees to be moved out of sight of the delegation of monks, particularly their 93-year-old leader.
- The union of the Eiffel Tower employees called a one-day strike in solidarity with female colleagues, leading to the tower's shutdown.
- Paris city officials have begun a formal inquiry into the incident.
- The Indian government said it was not involved in the controversy, with the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal calling it a matter between BAPS and the Eiffel Tower authorities.
- BAPS denied having made the requests, stating that the coordination was undertaken purely as a matter of operational courtesy and logistics.
- Modi's inauguration was described as a 'new chapter' in India-France cultural relations.
The Eiffel Tower's closure on September 8, 2026, sparked a political controversy in France after staff protested against demands from the Hindu group BAPS, which allegedly requested the removal of women employees during their visit.16
The shutdown occurred following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of a BAPS temple in a Paris suburb, which he described as a “new chapter” in India-France cultural relations.7
According to Eiffel Tower officials, BAPS leaders requested that women employees be moved out of sight of their delegation, particularly their 93-year-old leader. The union representing Eiffel Tower employees organized a one-day strike in solidarity with female colleagues, stating that women were replaced by men at certain posts and instructed not to cross specific areas during the delegation's presence.
The External Affairs Ministry of India clarified that the government was not involved in the controversy, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating, “this is a matter purely between the entities [BAPS and the Eiffel Tower authorities] concerned.” BAPS, in written responses, denied making any such requests, emphasizing that the coordination was for operational courtesy and logistics to ensure a smooth visit for their large delegation of over 100 members.
Paris city officials have initiated a formal inquiry into the incident, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding the intersection of cultural practices and gender equality in public spaces.4
“Paris city officials have opened a formal inquiry, while BAPS denies the requests, calling the coordination 'operational courtesy.' The shutdown came a day after PM Modi inaugurated a BAPS temple in a Paris suburb, calling it a 'new chapter' in India-France ties.”
