Congress’s “Smash Patriarchy” campaign has triggered a fresh political confrontation after Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” initiative referenced Manusmriti in its messaging. BJP leaders including Kiren Rijiju and Himanta Biswa Sarma have criticised the reference, questioning its religious framing. Opposition parties have hit back, accusing the BJP of viewing the campaign through a communal lens. The debate has now shifted from the broader call to challenge patriarchy to questions over whether political parties are selectively framing the issue through religion.
