BEFrench politicians and officials have condemned the decision to sideline female employees at the Eiffel Tower during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation linked to India's ruling BJP. The incident occurred when members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) visited the iconic landmark, and female staff were instructed to step aside. Staff representatives reported the directive, leading to a strike that forced the Eiffel Tower to close. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire and Gender Equality Minister Aurore Bergé criticized the move as discriminatory, emphasizing that gender equality should apply universally. Meanwhile, BAPS representatives apologized and stated they believed no one was denied access, reiterating their commitment to universal values. The controversy highlights tensions between religious practices and secular norms in France.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incident as a clear violation of gender equality principles, highlighting criticism from left-leaning figures like Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire and Gender Equality Minister Aurore Bergé. While the BAPS delegation is portrayed as adhering to religious customs, the narrative is
