In Brief
- Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded a systemic shift in how crimes against women are handled, arguing that current responses penalize victims rather than perpetrators.
- Gandhi criticized government advisories urging women to stay indoors, calling such measures an expression of institutionalized patriarchy.
- The Congress leader urged young citizens to mobilize and protest, stating that administrative accountability only follows public pressure.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, issued a public call on September 29, 2026, for a comprehensive overhaul of institutional responses to crimes against women. In a post on X, Gandhi criticized existing administrative approaches to women's safety, arguing that urging women to remain indoors reflects a patriarchal framework that shifts blame onto victims while protecting offenders.
Addressing the widespread fear of street harassment and sexual assault across the country, Gandhi urged the youth, particularly Gen Z, to actively protest against gender-based violence. He emphasized that government authorities typically respond and enforce accountability only when subjected to sustained public pressure. The remarks come amid heightened national scrutiny and public debate over law enforcement efficiency and policy measures regarding women's security.
