Rahul Gandhi slams patriarchal mindset, says PM would be shocked if girls swear

Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering of women students and launched a pointed critique of the patriarchal attitudes that he says continue to limit women’s autonomy in India. He contrasted the social acceptance of boys using profanity with what he described as a likely ‘cultural shock’ for Prime Minister Narendra Modi if girls were to use the same language, underscoring a double standard in public discourse. Gandhi invoked the ancient Manusmriti to argue that women belong to themselves, not to any patriarchal rule, and linked this principle to contemporary concerns such as examination paper leaks that he said affect women more acutely because of marriage‑related pressures. He invited the students to share personal experiences of harassment and educational challenges, framing the struggle as a fight against a system that curtails women’s freedom. The remarks add to a broader national debate on gender equality and the role of political leaders in shaping cultural attitudes.