Paris, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Hindu temple in Paris has clarified that a private visit by a delegation associated with the organisation to the Eiffel Tower was coordinated with the monument’s management and scheduled at the beginning of regular opening hours to minimise inconvenience to other visitors.
In a statement on X, the BAPS temple said access to the Eiffel Tower was never denied to anyone and offered its “sincere apologies” to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by the situation.
The clarification came after Eiffel Tower staff went on strike following allegations that female employees were removed from the premises during the delegation’s visit last week.
The dispute involved a group of around 100 people associated with BAPS who were in France for celebrations surrounding the inauguration of a temple in the Paris suburbs.
“We respect the concerns raised and take them very seriously. Due to the size of our delegation, the visit was arranged in conjunction with the Eiffel Tower team at the start of normal opening hours to avoid disrupting or inconveniencing others,” the temple said.
“To the best of our knowledge, at no point was anyone prevented access to the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologise for any pain or inconvenience caused. We believe in the universal values of mutual respect and service,” it added.
The controversy has drawn reactions from French political leaders.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said an investigation would be initiated “as soon as possible”. In a post on X, he said he had taken note of the anger expressed by Eiffel Tower employees and described their concerns as legitimate.
“It is urgent that all light be shed on the facts that led to this protest,” Gregoire said.
French Equality Minister Aurore Berge also criticised the reported incident, saying on X, “In France, we do not ask women to erase themselves. No dogma, no religion is above the laws of the Republic.”
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen also condemned the incident, saying France would “never accept that women’s presence be ‘limited’.”
The Eiffel Tower, which attracts nearly seven million visitors annually, remained closed throughout Monday amid the staff action. A staff representative said the landmark was scheduled to reopen as usual on Tuesday.
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