BJP challenges Rahul Gandhi's patriarchy comment, cites party inconsistencies

During a parliamentary debate, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj attacked opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for urging a "smash the patriarchy" stance, suggesting the comment conflicts with his own party's record. She pointed to earlier BJP criticisms of actress Kangana and veteran parliamentarian Hema Malini, and recalled Congress figure Randeep Surjewala's comments about Hema Malini at a Kaithal rally in April 2024. Swaraj asked Gandhi why Congress has no female leaders in Karnataka or Himachal and noted his past resistance to the Women's Reservation Bill.

The BJP framed the issue as a broader question of women empowerment within Congress. Gandhi had previously cited a video of Prime Minister Modi reacting to a Jantar Mantar protest where girls used profanity, claiming the prime minister was "culturally shocked" while tolerating similar language from boys.