Smriti Irani enraged by Rahul Gandhi’s comments on the RSS, questioning his attitude towards women

October 21, 2026

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary Smriti Zubin Irani launched a scathing attack on Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, over his comments on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Smriti Irani questioned Rahul Gandhi’s attitude towards women and accused him of making derogatory statements.

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s recent social media post, Irani alleged that his behavior towards women is evident from his alleged treatment of a uniformed female police officer. She also questioned why women are expected to react when Rahul Gandhi repeatedly makes such comments.

‘Such a person should be sidelined’: Smriti Irani

Further intensifying her response, the BJP leader said that people with backward thinking towards women should not be accepted in society.

Smriti Irani said, “If Rahul Gandhi has such a backward mindset towards women, then it is our duty to sideline such a person.”

She said that women are empowered in various sectors of society. Women volunteers associated with the BJP and RSS are also examples of this. According to Irani, such derogatory comments insult women from every section of society.

She also accused Rahul Gandhi of making low-level statements to remain in the headlines.

Political Controversy Over Rahul Gandhi’s Comment on RSS

The controversy began after Rahul Gandhi posted on the social media platform X. In it, he described the RSS as an organization of men who oppose the Constitution and consider women to be the property of men.

Rahul Gandhi’s comment came a day after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the annual Vijayadashami event. His statement sparked a political war of words between the BJP and the Congress. Smriti Irani questioned the Congress leader’s attitude towards women over this comment.

What did Mohan Bhagwat say in his Vijayadashami address?

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated in his Vijayadashami address that a mere change of government or power cannot solve the country’s fundamental problems.

He argued that despite changes in political leadership in the past, the circumstances did not change significantly, and many deep-seated problems persisted. According to Bhagwat, groups working for their own interests and their supporters retain influence even after a change of power.

The RSS chief also alleged that certain forces in the world work to advance their own interests and may perceive a strong India as a challenge. He claimed that India, Hindu society, and the RSS are being targeted with the aim of weakening and creating divisions within them.