Rahul Gandhi Slams Taliban Event for Barring Women Journalists
New Delhi, Oct 11 – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after women journalists were barred from attending a press conference addressed by Taliban officials in New Delhi. Gandhi said the incident undermines India’s commitment to gender equality and exposes the Modi government’s double standards on women’s rights.
Congress Accuses Government of Bowing to Taliban’s Gender Bias
Rahul Gandhi didn’t mince words. “Women have equal rights in our country,” he declared on X (formerly Twitter). “Allowing the Taliban to dictate who can attend a press conference in India is a disgrace.” His comment referred to reports that only male journalists were permitted entry during the event hosted by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Adding to the criticism, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called it an insult to India’s women journalists. “This government talks of Nari Shakti, yet fails to protect even the basic rights of women in professional spaces,” she wrote. The Congress party demanded an official clarification from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
BJP on the Backfoot as Opposition Demands Answers
Although BJP sources claimed that foreign protocol managed the event logistics, the government’s silence has raised further questions. Why didn’t Indian authorities insist on equal access for all journalists? More importantly, why were women excluded in the first place?
Senior Congress leaders argued that India has hosted leaders from other ideologically strict regimes without compromising its values. “This is not about diplomacy,” said a party spokesperson. “It’s about dignity.”
The Modi government’s frequent mention of women’s empowerment in policy speeches, from Beti Bachao to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, stands in sharp contrast to this incident, say critics. By allowing the Taliban to set the rules on Indian soil, the government has sent the wrong message, they claim.
Political Fallout: A Talking Point Before 2025 Elections?
With general elections approaching, the opposition sees an opportunity to frame the BJP’s women-centric narrative as hollow. Activists and journalists have also expressed concern over growing restrictions in media freedom, especially for women.
Notably, this isn’t the first time India has faced global criticism for hosting authoritarian regimes. However, allowing gender-based exclusion — particularly during a press event — could have diplomatic consequences.
Rahul Gandhi’s strong statement has already gone viral. The Congress party is likely to amplify the issue in coming days, positioning it as a broader fight for democratic values and press freedom in India.
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