BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Comments at Pune Event, Raises Questions Over Sanatan Tradition and Women’s Dignity
Published on: August 24, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A political controversy has intensified following Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the Manusmriti during the ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune. His comments, in which he referred to a statement attributed to the ancient text while discussing women’s freedom and patriarchal thinking, have drawn sharp reactions from BJP leaders and Hindu organisations.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Traditional Social Structure
During the programme, Rahul Gandhi cited a statement from the Manusmriti while discussing women’s independence and questioned traditional patriarchal attitudes. He argued for women to move forward with an independent identity and challenge mindsets that restrict their freedom.
Critics of Gandhi have described the remarks as a selective interpretation of Hindu traditions and ancient religious texts.
Santosh Pandey Condemns Remarks
Rajnandgaon BJP MP and senior party leader Santosh Pandey strongly criticised Gandhi’s comments. Pandey said Rahul Gandhi should refrain from making what he described as inappropriate statements about Hinduism and Sanatan tradition.
He argued that portraying Hindu society and Sanatan tradition as systems that kept women confined does not reflect the broader historical experience of India.
BJP MP Highlights Women’s Leadership
Pandey pointed to the participation of Indian women in the country’s highest constitutional and political offices. He cited former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, former Presidents Pratibha Patil and Droupadi Murmu, and former Lok Sabha Speakers Meira Kumar and Sumitra Mahajan as examples of women who have held prominent positions.
He also referred to women leaders such as Sarojini Naidu and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, who played significant roles in India’s public and political life.
Women Have Led Several States
Pandey further cited several women who have served as Chief Ministers, including Sucheta Kripalani, Mayawati, J. Jayalalithaa, Mamata Banerjee, Vasundhara Raje, Sheila Dikshit, Rabri Devi, Uma Bharti, Anandiben Patel and Mehbooba Mufti.
He also highlighted Delhi, where Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit served as Chief Ministers. Sushma Swaraj later served as External Affairs Minister, while Nirmala Sitharaman has held the portfolios of Defence and Finance Minister.
Debate Over Interpretation of Manusmriti
The wider debate has also brought different verses and contexts from the Manusmriti into focus. Supporters of the Sanatan tradition frequently cite the Sanskrit verse “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah”, commonly interpreted as meaning that where women are respected, the divine is present.
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BJP leaders and Hindu organisations have argued that individual verses from an ancient text should not be taken out of context to define the entire Sanatan philosophical tradition.
Political Debate Intensifies
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Pune have once again brought the ideological differences between the Congress and BJP over Hinduism, Sanatan tradition and ancient religious texts into the political spotlight.
Following Santosh Pandey’s strong response, the issue is likely to remain part of the ongoing political debate, with both sides presenting sharply different interpretations of tradition, social reform and women’s status in Indian society.
