BAPS Paris Responds to Eiffel Tower Row, Says ‘No One Was Denied Access’
BAPS has responded to the Eiffel Tower row, saying its visit was pre-coordinated during normal opening hours and that no person was denied access. The Hindu organisation apologised to anyone hurt or inconvenienced. The response came after Eiffel Tower staff went on strike over allegations that female workers were sidelined, prompting a probe by Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire.
The Hindu organisation Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on Tuesday, September 8, responded to the controversy surrounding its visit to the Eiffel Tower, saying the tour was pre-coordinated with the monument's team during normal opening hours and that no person was denied access. The organisation also apologised to anyone who was hurt or inconvenienced by the situation.
The statement came a day after the Eiffel Tower was shut on Monday following a staff walkout over allegations that female employees were sidelined during a private visit by a BAPS delegation. Staff representatives said women were asked to leave their workplaces and, in some instances, were replaced by men. Why Eiffel Tower Employees Are on Strike After Hindu Group BAPS’ Visit.
BAPS Paris Responds to Eiffel Tower Row
Nous comprenons les préoccupations exprimées et les prenons très au sérieux.
Compte tenu de la taille de notre délégation, la visite a été organisée en coordination avec les équipes de la tour Eiffel, au début des horaires habituels d’ouverture, afin de limiter autant que… pic.twitter.com/gyiwzmh6Jv
— BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris (@BAPSParis) September 7, 2026
What BAPS Said About The Eiffel Tower Visit
The statement released by BAPS reads, "We understand the concerns raised and take them very seriously. Given the size of our delegation, the visit was organised in coordination with the Eiffel Tower team at the beginning of normal opening hours to minimise any inconvenience to other visitors."
It further added, "To our knowledge, at no point was anyone denied access to the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by this situation. We are deeply committed to the universal values of mutual respect and service to others." BAPS said the arrangements were made because of the size of its delegation and the need to minimise disruption to other visitors. Eiffel Tower Closes Temporarily After Female Staff Sidelined During Hindu Delegation's Visit.
Why Eiffel Tower Staff Went On Strike
Eiffel Tower employees walked out after objecting to the alleged treatment of female colleagues during the delegation's visit. "During the visit of this delegation, women were asked to leave their places of work in order to place men there," staff union representative Diane Davoine told Reuters.
The staff action led to the Eiffel Tower being closed on Monday. The dispute centres on allegations that female workers were instructed to stay away from certain areas while the delegation was present. The operating company of the Eiffel Tower has previously acknowledged that conditions aimed at limiting interactions with women should not have been accepted.
Paris Mayor Initiates Probe
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has confirmed an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the visit. He posted on X, "I am taking note of the anger expressed by the employees of the Eiffel Tower, and I want to tell them that their discontent is legitimate."
Talking about the sidelining of female staff, he added, "Equality between women and men will never stop at the foot of our historical monuments, nor anywhere in this city. It must be applied everywhere, for everyone." The probe is expected to examine how the arrangements for the private visit were organised and whether workplace rules and equality principles were breached.
The controversy has also drawn political criticism in France. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal joined the backlash, firmly stating that no belief or culture can be allowed to restrict women's presence in public life. The comments have placed the dispute within a wider debate over gender equality, workplace rights and the treatment of religious or cultural groups at public institutions.
BAPS Temple Inauguration In France
The BAPS delegation was in France in connection with celebrations surrounding the inauguration of the organisation's first major temple in the country. The temple was inaugurated near Paris, with the delegation also visiting prominent locations during its stay.
BAPS' response comes as authorities and Eiffel Tower staff seek to establish what instructions were issued during the visit and who approved the arrangements. The immediate focus remains on the investigation and the circumstances that led to female employees being allegedly sidelined during the private delegation visit.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2026 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
