A BAPS-linked visit triggered a gender-discrimination controversy, a one-day Eiffel Tower shutdown, a management investigation and cross-party political condemnation in France. But it also brought the lens on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s connection with BAPS, which is longstanding, personal, religious-cultural and politically useful for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS, is a global “socio-spiritual” sect which worships Swaminarayan, a yogi from the late 18th and early 19th century they refer to as ‘bhagwan.’ The sect was founded in 1905. In recent times, however, BAPS has been pushed as the vehicle of Modi’s Hinduism globally, his presence and patronage of any temples abroad have been public knowledge. While there are many BAPS temples globally, Modi had a special statement to make for the temple BAPS has inaugurated in Paris, and before that in Abu Dhabi, where Modi was personally present and which BAPS called a “millennial moment”. Meanwhile, realising its place in the Modi scheme of things, ambassadors visit and post about BAPS temples too.

A perfect first stop for Holi! Visited the @baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple with @DeputySecState Landau and @US_SpaceCom General Whiting. This extraordinary temple showcases India’s spiritual heritage and enduring values. @DelhiAkshardham Wishing everyone a very HAPPY HOLI! pic.twitter.com/nGgtZDK2yB — Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) March 4, 2026

A perfect first stop for Holi! Visited the @baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple with @DeputySecState Landau and @US_SpaceCom General Whiting. This extraordinary temple showcases India’s spiritual heritage and enduring values. @DelhiAkshardham Wishing everyone a very HAPPY HOLI! pic.twitter.com/nGgtZDK2yB

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) March 4, 2026

Here are four ways in which the controversy around BAPS’s views about women which came right to the front in Paris, hurt Modi, the BJP and India:

1. BAPS is tied closely to Modi’s political brand abroad

When........

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