Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Rahul Gandhi Targets Patriarchy in Congress Women Voter Strategy
Rahul Gandhi spoke to students in Pune about problems women face.
He said women should control their own lives instead of being controlled by fathers, husbands or sons.
He criticized ideas in the Manusmriti that place women under male authority.
He also criticized comments linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about girls using abusive language during a protest.
Gandhi said boys and girls had both used such language, but girls were judged differently.
He argued that this shows a double standard.
He told women to speak confidently and fight for equal space in society.
His speech may show that Congress wants to connect with young women through issues like freedom, safety and equality.
Women are increasingly important voters in Indian elections.
Rahul Gandhi addressed women’s safety and autonomy at the Pune leg of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign on Saturday, August 22.
He criticized the Manusmriti’s description of women as subordinate to male relatives and attacked what he called a patriarchal mindset.
Gandhi contrasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reaction to abusive language by girls with the absence of similar concern when boys use such language.
He urged women to “be loud, be proud” and called for collective action to “smash the patriarchy.”
The speech reflects a possible Congress shift toward women’s autonomy, safety and political agency, especially among younger voters, beyond welfare-focused messaging.
- Who
- Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, students, women voters, and political figures including Narendra Modi, Mohan Bhagwat and M. L. Khattar.
- What
- Gandhi criticized patriarchy and gender-based double standards while presenting a women-focused message that may signal a recalibration of Congress’s voter strategy.
- When
- Saturday, August 22; the year is not specified in the article.
- Where
- The Pune leg of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign.
- Why
- Gandhi said the campaign was aimed at addressing women’s safety, autonomy, education-related concerns and broader social control, while Congress seeks a stronger connection with younger women voters.
Congress and Gandhi’s framing
BJP-RSS figures and cited positions
Women’s autonomy
Congress and Gandhi’s framing
Gandhi said women belong to themselves, not to their fathers, husbands or sons, and rejected the idea that they should be controlled or confined.
BJP-RSS figures and cited positions
The article cites the Manusmriti’s traditional formulation of women’s obedience to male relatives and says Gandhi associated this mindset with the BJP and RSS; it does not report a direct response from them.
Different standards for abusive language
Congress and Gandhi’s framing
Gandhi argued that Narendra Modi’s description of girls’ abusive language during a protest as a “cultural shock” reflected a gender-based double standard because boys had also used abusive language.
BJP-RSS figures and cited positions
Modi’s cited remark characterized abusive language used by girls at the Jantar Mantar agitation as a “cultural shock”; the article provides no further explanation or response from Modi.
Political strategy
Congress and Gandhi’s framing
Congress appears to be seeking a direct emotional and political connection with younger women through issues including safety, education, autonomy and patriarchy.
BJP-RSS figures and cited positions
The article notes that the BJP has focused on women voters since Narendra Modi’s campaign for the 2014 general election, but it does not state how the BJP responds to Congress’s strategic shift.
- Speaker
- Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP
- Event
- Pune leg of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign
- Main message
- Women should be autonomous and should “be loud, be proud” rather than be controlled by male relatives.
- Text criticized
- Gandhi criticized a Manusmriti verse describing women as subject to fathers, husbands and sons at different stages of life.
- Political targets
- He criticized the BJP, RSS and comments associated with Narendra Modi, Mohan Bhagwat and M. L. Khattar.
- Strategic shift
- The article describes Congress as moving beyond welfare-centric messaging toward identity, autonomy, safety and political agency.
- Target audience
- Younger women, particularly Gen Z students concerned about education and paper leaks.