Rahul Champions girls’ freedom

metro india news  I pune

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday called for greater equality, freedom and opportunities for women, asserting that women must have control over their own lives and futures.

Addressing the women-only “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme in Pune, Gandhi said India’s 70 crore women represented the country’s biggest strength, with each having a unique journey, imagination and aspirations. He stressed that women should not be treated as dependent on their fathers, husbands or sons.

Rahul sharply criticised the interpretation of women’s status in the Manusmriti, saying it was shameful to suggest that women should remain under the authority of male relatives at different stages of their lives. He argued that such ideas must be challenged in a modern, democratic India.

The Congress leader said young women needed equality, safety, opportunities and the freedom to express themselves. Instead, he alleged, they continued to face insecurity, discrimination and delays in securing their rights.

The Pune programme was the fourth edition of the Congress-led “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, which began in Kota and subsequently reached Dehradun and Prayagraj. The campaign has focused on education, employment and issues confronting young people, with the Pune edition concentrating specifically on women’s concerns.

Gandhi’s address came amid political tensions surrounding the event. Student groups affiliated with the ABVP and NSUI had clashed at a Pune college hostel ahead of the programme. Meanwhile, BJP leaders alleged that the Congress had mobilised crowds by paying social media influencers, a charge rejected by Congress leaders. The Pune event thus combined Gandhi’s message on women’s rights with a broader political outreach to young voters, placing equality, dignity, safety and individual freedom at the centre of his address.