BJP Mahila Morcha Storms Congress Office in Varanasi
BJP Mahila Morcha activists held a massive demonstration in Varanasi against Rahul Gandhi and Congress leadership over harassment allegations.
In a high-decibel political confrontation, the BJP Mahila Morcha launched a massive demonstration at the Congress Metropolitan Office in Varanasi's Maidagin on Monday. The protest, part of the nationwide "Nari Shakti Hunkar Andolan," targeted the Congress leadership for their perceived silence regarding recent controversies involving women's safety and respect.
The demonstration was fueled by two major grievances: the alleged indecent behavior of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi toward a female police officer at Jantar Mantar, and the Congress party's failure to take decisive action against MP Bimol Akoijam, who was accused of harassing 11 female students at JNU.
Massive Procession Through Kashi
The agitation began with a large gathering of women activists at Azad Park in Lahurabir. Carrying a sea of placards, banners, and posters, the protesters marched through the streets of Varanasi, moving from Lahurabir toward the Maidagin area. The atmosphere was charged with slogans that echoed through the Kashi Vishwanath area, with protesters chanting, "Women are respected, the BJP is in the fray," and "Shame on the Congress that exploits daughters."
As the procession reached the Congress Metropolitan Office, the Mahila Morcha activists surrounded the premises. In a symbolic act of protest, women presented bangles to Rahul Gandhi in front of the office to express their indignation over his conduct.
Allegations of Double Standards
Addressing the gathering, Mahila Morcha Regional President Sunita Rajesh Singh and Metropolitan President Pooja Dixit slammed the Congress leadership for their inaction. They highlighted that an internal committee at JNU had already dismissed MP Bimol Akoijam following serious sexual harassment charges involving 11 students. However, they questioned why Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had not expelled the MP from the party.
Sunita Rajesh Singh further criticized Rahul Gandhi's behavior at Jantar Mantar, stating that his interaction with an on-duty female police officer reflected a "feudal and anti-women mentality."
"Women's Power Has Awakened"
Metropolitan President Pradeep Agrahari, who was present at Azad Park, accused the Congress party of consistently maintaining an anti-women stance. He claimed that the party's top leadership has historically stood on the side of exploiters rather than victims.
"Today, the women's power of the country has awakened and is exposing this double standard of the Congress party," Agrahari remarked during the demonstration.
The protest saw participation from a wide array of local leaders and activists, including Namrata Chaurasia, Sadhna Vedanti, Media Coordinator Pramil Pandey, and several others, representing a significant mobilization of women across the Varanasi region.