Rahul Gandhi in Pune: “Women Are Not Property, They Are India’s Real Strength”
Rahul Gandhi, speaking at an interactive youth event in Pune, criticised patriarchal attitudes and urged women to break free from social restrictions and fear. Students raised the MPSC paper leak issue, while folk singer Neha Singh Rathod spoke about trolling and legal pressure faced by women who question those in power. Gandhi also highlighted concerns around women's safety, wage inequality, property ownership and social discrimination, telling women, “You are nobody’s property.”
Pune: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised what he described as the patriarchal mindset promoted by the BJP-RSS and the Manusmriti during an interactive session with young people in Pune.
Addressing the gathering, Gandhi said women should not be restricted to traditional roles or subjected to control by men. He described India's women as a major source of the country's strength and future.
“This patriarchal system tries to keep women in a cage,” Gandhi said, emphasising that India's women should have the freedom to make their own choices and determine their future.
MPSC Paper Leak Issue Raised
The interaction also saw students raise concerns about issues affecting young people. A pharmacy student brought up the MPSC paper leak controversy, alleging that an examination paper scheduled for March 22 had been leaked two days earlier.
The student claimed that evidence had been submitted to the FDA and police but alleged that the matter was not pursued effectively. The student said such incidents were damaging the future of candidates who prepare honestly for competitive examinations.
Responding to the concern, Gandhi linked the issue to the additional social pressure faced by young women. He said boys generally have more time to pursue career opportunities, while girls often face pressure to marry in their early twenties.
According to Gandhi, such circumstances can make examination paper leaks particularly damaging to women's career prospects.
Neha Singh Rathod Takes Aim at Treatment of Women
Folk singer Neha Singh Rathod also addressed the gathering and performed a political satirical song criticising the treatment of women who question those in power.
Through her performance, she alleged that women who speak out against the government are subjected to trolling, threats and legal cases. Rathod also spoke about her own experiences of facing online abuse and threats, saying she had continued to raise her voice despite the pressure.
Gandhi Highlights Women's Safety and Economic Inequality
Gandhi also cited several statistics while discussing the condition of women in India. He spoke about issues including female foeticide, harassment, sexual violence, wage inequality and women's ownership of property.
He argued that fear, social restrictions and economic dependence continue to limit women's freedom and opportunities.
Addressing the young women present at the event, Gandhi said they should not allow fear or social expectations to determine their lives.
“You are nobody’s property,” Gandhi said, urging women to challenge patriarchal control and fight for equal rights and opportunities.
The session concluded with Gandhi thanking Pune's youth for their questions and participation. He ended the interaction with a message for the city: “Pune is love! Love you all.”