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Politics
Rahul Gandhi condemns PM Modi’s ‘cultural shock’ over girls using profanity in Pune address
✍️ TOI City
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 12:39 PM
👁 21
Speaking to women students in Pune, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a ‘cultural shock’ when girls use profanity, calling the reaction a symptom of patriarchal attitudes.
Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering of women students in Pune, raising concerns about gender bias in societal attitudes.
He highlighted that while boys using profanity is often dismissed, the same language from girls provokes a “cultural shock” from the Prime Minister, reflecting a double standard.
Gandhi framed the issue as part of a broader struggle against a patriarchal system that limits women's freedom, invoking the ancient Manusmriti to argue that women belong only to themselves.
He also linked academic pressures such as paper leaks to women's specific challenges, noting that marriage expectations add extra stress, and invited the students to share experiences of harassment and educational hurdles.
The Congress leader concluded by urging policymakers to address gender bias and ensure a safe, equitable learning environment.
He highlighted that while boys using profanity is often dismissed, the same language from girls provokes a “cultural shock” from the Prime Minister, reflecting a double standard.
Gandhi framed the issue as part of a broader struggle against a patriarchal system that limits women's freedom, invoking the ancient Manusmriti to argue that women belong only to themselves.
He also linked academic pressures such as paper leaks to women's specific challenges, noting that marriage expectations add extra stress, and invited the students to share experiences of harassment and educational hurdles.
The Congress leader concluded by urging policymakers to address gender bias and ensure a safe, equitable learning environment.