Guwahati: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, August 22, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his reaction to girls using abusive language during a protest, calling it a reflection of a “patriarchal mindset.” Addressing a gathering of thousands of women and girl students at the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme at AISSMS College Ground in Pune, Maharashtra, Gandhi said Modi was “culturally shocked” when girls used cuss words during a protest, while similar language used by boys did not appear to draw the same reaction.
Gandhi argued that such responses reflected a broader patriarchal attitude, under which women and girls are often expected to follow different standards of behaviour from men.
He said women should have the same freedom as men to express their anger, opinions and dissent, including during protests.
Gandhi also referred to the Manusmriti, linking what he described as patriarchal attitudes towards women to the social hierarchy and gender norms associated with the ancient text. He spoke about women’s independence and their right to make their own choices, stressing that a woman belongs to nobody but herself.
The Congress leader’s remarks came during his interaction with women and young students at the Pune programme, where he discussed issues concerning gender equality, social expectations and women’s freedom.
His comments are likely to add to the ongoing political debate over gender equality, women’s rights and differing standards applied to men and women in public life.