Mumbai, Aug. 24:
The BJP in Maharashtra has described Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with students in Pune as a “political comedy show”, accusing him of using a youth outreach programme to make political statements instead of focusing on students’ concerns.
BJP Maharashtra vice-president Keshav Upadhye made the remarks following Gandhi’s participation in the Congress youth outreach programme ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in Pune.
Upadhye alleged that students had been brought to the event in college buses and accused the Congress of turning a programme meant for students into a political gathering.
Congress national secretary Sachin Sawant rejected the criticism, saying the BJP was rattled by the response to Gandhi’s interaction and was concerned about his growing appeal among young people.
During the programme, Gandhi spoke about women’s safety and empowerment. He said violence and harassment were major barriers preventing women from progressing and urged women to stand up for themselves and have confidence in their abilities.
Students who interacted with Gandhi raised concerns including sexual harassment, personal safety, inadequate safe public transport and financial constraints affecting women’s access to education and economic opportunities.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also criticised Gandhi, describing his position on women’s empowerment as hypocritical and accusing the Congress of opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad separately criticised Gandhi over his remarks concerning the Manusmriti and his call to women students to challenge patriarchy.