Politics · India Bureau
BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi over remarks on Manusmriti and women's rights
The Congress leader's comments to female students in Maharashtra on patriarchy and women's autonomy have drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders. Gandhi had called for dismantling patriarchal structures and asserted women's independence from male family members.
LSN India ·
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have launched a political offensive against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his remarks on the Manusmriti and women's rights delivered during an address to female students in Maharashtra. Gandhi's comments, which included criticism of what he termed the 'Manusmriti mindset,' have become the focal point of the party's latest attack.
During his interaction with students, Gandhi called for dismantling patriarchal structures in society and emphasised women's independence from familial control. He stressed that women should have agency over their own lives and should not be viewed as property or dependents of male family members—whether fathers, husbands, or sons.
The BJP's response has centred on questioning the Congress leader's framing of the ancient Hindu text and his broader commentary on social structures. Party leaders have seized upon the remarks as an opportunity to draw political distinctions ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
The controversy reflects ongoing ideological tensions between the two major political parties on issues relating to cultural nationalism, women's rights, and the interpretation of ancient Hindu texts. Congress has long positioned itself as a secular, progressive voice on social issues, while the BJP emphasises cultural continuity alongside social development.