‘Break the Cage’ Row: Smriti Irani Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Back 33% Women’s Reservation
BJP General Secretary Smriti Irani called on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to support the immediate rollout of the 33% women's reservation in Parliament. Her rebuttal followed Gandhi’s speech in Pune criticizing patriarchal structures and citing ancient texts like the Manusmriti to emphasize female autonomy, urging him to convert words into action.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Smriti Irani has called on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to support the immediate rollout of the 33 percent women's reservation in Parliament. Her remarks came as a sharp rebuttal to Gandhi’s speech in Pune, where he criticized patriarchal social structures and invoked ancient texts like the Manusmriti to emphasize female autonomy.
Speaking during an interaction with female students at the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" youth outreach event held at the AISSMS College Ground in Pune, Gandhi challenged traditional societal expectations. Quoting verses from the Manusmriti, he argued that the text reinforces a mindset keeping women subject to male authority-first fathers, then husbands, and later sons. Under the theme "Break the Cage," Gandhi urged young women to assert their independence, stating that a woman belongs to herself first rather than being restricted to family roles. Did Rahul Gandhi Use Teleprompter at 'Chatron Ki Goonj' Pune Event? Fact Check Finds Viral Claim False.
Responding to his address, Irani suggested that if the Congress party genuinely seeks to advance women's independence and leadership, it should translate that rhetoric into legislative support. She humbly urged Gandhi to back Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative for the early implementation of the constitutional amendment reserving one-third of parliamentary seats for women.
Irani also targeted the Congress over its cultural practices regarding the national song, Vande Mataram. Referring to stanzas omitted during official party functions, she requested that the song be performed in its entirety at the Congress headquarters, specifically including the lines referencing Maa Durga. Irani stated that singing these verses would offer a concrete demonstration of respect toward women and the country's heritage. ‘Main Bhi Nahi Sudhar Raha Hoon’: Rahul Gandhi on Abuse Over Questioning Govt at Pune’s 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Watch).
Smriti Irani Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi After Pune Speech
The exchange underlines deepening political sparring over gender representation, cultural heritage, and legislative policy as both parties continue their outreach toward young voters and female constituencies.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2026 03:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).