Rahul Gandhi's Pune event 'hypocritical stand': Devendra Fadnavis
What's the story
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent event in Pune. The event, which was part of Gandhi's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" outreach program, saw him interact with female students and speak against patriarchy. However, Fadnavis accused Gandhi of hypocrisy for opposing the Women's Reservation Bill while criticizing patriarchal norms.
Political criticism
Devendra Fadnavis slams Congress for being out of touch
Fadnavis questioned Gandhi's commitment to women's empowerment, saying his actions are at odds with his words.
"Coming to Pune to talk about women and then opposing the very bill that would give them real power, that's Rahul Gandhi's hypocritical stand," he said.
He also slammed the Congress party for being out of touch with voters and relying on speeches for relevance.
Event criticism
Pune event a 'political comedy show': BJP leader
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra vice-president Keshav Upadhye also slammed Gandhi's Pune event, calling it a "political comedy show."
He accused the Congress of turning the program into a political gathering and not addressing student issues.
Upadhye also questioned Congress's stance on women's reservation and alleged opposition to tribal leader Droupadi Murmu's presidential candidacy and the triple talaq law.
Counterclaim
Congress national secretary's response to BJP leaders
In response to the criticism, Congress national secretary Sachin Sawant said the BJP was rattled by the response to Gandhi's event.
He alleged that despite restrictions, many young women attended the program, which alarmed top BJP leaders.
Sawant also took a dig at Fadnavis's "Youth Icon" image and wondered if his proposed interaction with Gen Z would preach patriarchal values.