Support women's quota implementation, full Vande Mataram rendition: BJP to Rahul Gandhi
BJP leader Smriti Irani has challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to support a 33% women's reservation bill and perform a full rendition of the Vande Mataram. This follows Gandhi's recent comments criticizing patriarchal mindsets in Indian society.
Why it matters
The exchange reflects the ongoing political polarization in India regarding gender policy and the use of religious symbolism in national discourse.
BJP general secretary Smriti Irani on Sunday (August 23, 2026) asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to validate his words on supporting women by backing the implementation of 33% reservation for women in legislatures and also organising the singing of a full version of Vande Mataram that includes invocation of Goddess Durga at his party office.
Interacting with girl students at his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' outreach programme in Pune on Saturday (August 22), Mr. Gandhi urged girl students to "smash patriarchy" and lashed out at "Manusmriti mindset", claiming that it forces a woman to remain under the authority of male relatives at every stage of her life.
The former Congress president also said violence is used in society to prevent women from progressing and that 80% of them face harassment.
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