Rahul Gandhi calls for ‘end to patriarchy’ at Pune event after PM Modi’s ‘cultural shock’ remark

Rahul Gandhi also targeted PM Narendra Modi and played a video of him referring to abusive language used by girls during the agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday highlighted several issues concerning women’s safety, rights and social control, and lashed out at “Manusmriti mindset”, while addressing the Pune leg of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign that he said was dedicated to “daughters of the nation”.

Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi addresses the gathering during the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' program, in Pune on Saturday. (ANI)

Interacting with students at his outreach programme in Pune, Gandhi said women belonged to themselves and not to their fathers, husbands or sons, and slammed the Manusmriti’s prescription that a woman should remain under the authority of male relatives at every stage of her life.

He also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and played a video of Modi referring to abusive language used by girls during the agitation at Jantar Mantar over paper leaks and wondering how “daughters” could use such language, calling it a cultural shock.

He also referred to an old statement by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat that rape happens in “India” and not in “Bharat”, and former Haryana chief minister M L Khattar’s alleged comment that 80% of rapes happen because of women.

“So this is a mindset, and this fight is against this mindset,” Gandhi said.

“What is the mindset? That a girl has a place, she should be locked in a cage, she should be controlled, she should not work, and boys should get full freedom... if they want to abuse they can abuse, if they want to work they can work... We do not want such Hindustan,” he added.

Women and girls are India’s strength, its foundation and its future, Gandhi said, adding, “patriarchy suppresses you, scares you, threatens you, controls you.”

“Together we have to finish this patriarchy -- smash the patriarchy! And my message to you, simple message: Be loud, be proud, and fight for your space in society.”

Manusmriti and presnet-day violence

Earlier, referring to the Manusmriti, Gandhi quoted a verse from the ancient text which says a woman must obey her father in her childhood, in youth she belongs to her husband, and when he is dead, she belongs to her sons. “These words are a shame. These words should not have been spoken,” the Congress leader said.

Women are the country’s biggest asset, he said, adding that they should stand for themselves and believe in themselves.

“You belong to nobody, except yourself...” he added.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha further listed “three forms of violence against women -- physical violence, violence through denial of opportunities, economic violence”.

Gandhi said 400,500 female foeticides take place every year, 80% of women encounter harassment, 29% endure physical violence, and 6% face rape.

He claimed 99% of incidents of sexual violence are not reported because of social stigma.

Tribal protest and female susceptibility

During the programme, Sharayu Chopde, a Maharashtra Public Service Commission aspirant told Gandhi that women candidates suffer more because of exam-related malpractices, as they have a “deadline” and face pressures of marriage and family.

She asked for Gandhi’s support for MPSC candidates in Pune who were seeking re-examination following a recent paper leak. Gandhi said he would discuss the matter.

At the event, a woman told Gandhi that tribal students had been observing a hunger strike at Manjari in Pune for the past 10 days over several demands, including extension for the age limit for staying in government tribal hostels.

Gandhi replied, “Call me there, I will come and sit with you.”

(With inputs from agencies)