The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing an all-women poll meeting in Mangolpuri, claimed that the BJP believes women should be treated as “second-class citizens.” He pointed out that the BJP’s ideological parent, RSS, does not allow women into its ‘shakhas.’
Gandhi criticized the BJP for passing the women’s reservation bill with much fanfare but delaying its implementation for 10 years. “They passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in the Parliament with much pomp and show to give reservation to women (in Lok Sabha and legislative assemblies). But later, they said we will implement this after 10 years once the survey (census) is completed,” he stated.
He emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to women’s rights, highlighting the unpaid and unrecognized work women do at home after a full day of paid work. “In India, we talk about every section of society but rarely is the work that working women do at home mentioned. When they come home after a long day at work, women have to start a second shift,” Gandhi said, stressing the need for recognition and compensation for this work.
Gandhi reiterated the Congress party’s promise of introducing the Mahalaxmi Yojana if voted to power, providing Rs 8,500 per month and Rs 1 lakh annually to women from families living below the poverty line. He also promised to increase the reservation of women in all government jobs.
At a rally in Dilshad Garden, in support of Congress candidate Kanhaiya Kumar, Gandhi accused the BJP of wanting to dismantle the Indian Constitution. “They never accepted the Indian Constitution or the Indian flag. In this election, they have finally accepted that they want to change it,” he charged.
Gandhi emphasized that the election is a fight to safeguard the Indian Constitution, which embodies the ideological heritage of Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Nehru. “If the BJP tries to change the Constitution, they will have to face the Congress and crores of people of India,” he asserted.
His remarks came a day after the Election Commission asked the Congress to ensure its star campaigners and candidates avoid statements suggesting the Constitution might be abolished or sold.
Gandhi’s metro ride earlier in the day allowed him to interact with passengers and receive feedback on public transportation. “I am happy to see that our initiative of building metro in Delhi has proved so convenient for public transportation,” he said in a post on X, sharing pictures of his interactions with passengers.
Thursday marked the last day of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, with all seven parliamentary constituencies set to vote on May 25. Votes for all seven phases of the elections will be counted on June 4.