Boys can abuse but PM gets cultural shock if girls do it: Rahul Gandhi in Pune

At his Chhatron ki Goonj initiative in Pune, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the ruling party for double standards when it comes to abuse. While commenting on the recent Jantar Mantar students protest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed cultural shock at girls using abusive language against him, despite both boys and girls participating in the abusive behavior. Gandhi questioned why it was acceptable for boys to abuse but not for girls.

During the discussion on women's rights and violence, Gandhi drew from the Manusmriti, stating that women should not be confined to roles as a daughter, wife, or mother. He emphasized that women are not their partners' property but rather should be given freedom, as they possess immense strength. The BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, according to Gandhi, hold an attitude that seeks to confine women in cages.

Gandhi highlighted various forms of violence faced by women, including female foeticide, daily harassment, physical violence, and rape. He also discussed the economic impact of restrictions on women's opportunities, such as denied education and employment, and the time burden placed on women, with them performing five and a half hours of household work compared to just 30 minutes for men. Gandhi concluded by calling for the dismantling of patriarchy and urged everyone to join in the fight against it.