Rahul Gandhi Critiques Patriarchy and Manusmriti at Pune Event

New Delhi, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: Mumbai: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday attacked the 'Manusmriti' and the 'patriarchal' system in the country, urging women to stand up for themselves and believe in their worth. He stated, "You don't belong to anybody except yourselves." Gandhi's remarks come in a broader context of ongoing debates regarding women's rights and gender equality in India, where patriarchal norms have historically dominated societal structures.

Gandhi emphasized the importance of women, saying, "I believe that 70 crore women are more important than the 70 crore men, because women by nature are more sensitive, more gentle, more compassionate, forward-looking than men. That is why fundamentally, young and old women are India's biggest asset." This statement reflects a growing recognition of the role women play in societal development, challenging traditional notions that often prioritize male perspectives and contributions.

His criticism of the Manusmriti, an ancient legal text that has been interpreted to enforce restrictive views on women's roles, underscores a significant issue in contemporary Indian society. He stated, "The Manusmriti clearly says that a female in childhood must be subject to her father, in youth she belongs to her husband, and when her husband is dead she belongs to her children. These words should never have been spoken." The Manusmriti has been a focal point for discussions on gender inequality, and Gandhi's remarks aim to provoke thought on how such texts continue to influence modern attitudes towards women.

Gandhi made these remarks during the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' (Echo of Students) event at the SSPMS ground in Pune, where he interacted with an audience primarily composed of women. The event aimed to amplify the voices of young women and highlight their experiences and challenges. By focusing on women’s empowerment, Gandhi seeks to inspire a new generation to challenge the status quo and advocate for their rights.

In addition to discussing women's rights, Gandhi also criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for promoting a mindset that restricts women's freedoms. He remarked, "The Prime Minister said that he got a cultural shock when women used abusive language during the protest at Jantar Mantar. Even the men had abused, but he didn't say that about them. Bhagwat says rapes happen in India and not in Bharat, while Manohar Lal Khattar claims 80 percent of rapes occur due to women. These are the mindsets that we are fighting against; they want to cage women and impose restrictions on them. We don't want such an India where men are allowed to do what they want, but women are not." This critique highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding gender issues in India, where leaders often use rhetoric to either empower or undermine women's rights.

Gandhi asserted the need to dismantle the patriarchal structures in society, stating, "We need to smash the patriarchy." This call to action resonates with many activists and organizations working towards gender equality, as it emphasizes the necessity of challenging deeply ingrained societal norms that perpetuate discrimination against women. By addressing these issues publicly, Gandhi aims to galvanize support for legislative and social changes that promote gender equality.

He highlighted the challenges women face, including harassment, violence, and societal pressure to conform to traditional norms. During the event, several women shared their experiences regarding hurdles such as eve-teasing, harassment, and limited employment opportunities. These personal narratives not only illustrate the pervasive nature of gender-based violence but also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for systemic change to protect women's rights and ensure their participation in all aspects of society.

However, Gandhi's visit was not without controversy. Clashes occurred between Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students' Union of India (NSUI) cadres outside the venue two days prior. ABVP members alleged that Congress workers were coercing female students from the COEP Technological University hostel to register for the event. Conversely, NSUI claimed that ABVP members threatened and harassed female students to prevent their participation. These incidents reflect the intense political rivalry between student organizations affiliated with different political parties, often leading to confrontations that can overshadow the intended messages of events like 'Chhatron ki Goonj.'

The BJP has labeled the 'Chhatraon Ki Goonj' event as 'Echo of Money,' alleging that around 3,000 influencers were paid Rs 30,000 each to promote Rahul Gandhi's event, raising questions about the funding sources. This accusation points to a broader concern regarding the influence of money in politics and event promotion, particularly in the context of youth engagement. Such claims can undermine the authenticity of grassroots movements and create skepticism about the motivations behind political gatherings.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi's critique of patriarchal systems and the Manusmriti at the Pune event highlights significant issues surrounding women's rights in India. His call for women to assert their independence and challenge societal norms resonates with ongoing struggles for gender equality. As political tensions continue to rise, the discourse surrounding women's empowerment remains critical in shaping the future of Indian society. The implications of these discussions extend beyond individual events, influencing public policy, societal attitudes, and the overall trajectory of women's rights in the country.