Rahul Gandhi’s remarks revive debate over women’s language at Jantar Mantar protest

Rahul Gandhi has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of young women using expletives during the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as a “culture shock”. Speaking to students in Pune, Gandhi said male and female protesters had both used foul language and asked why Modi had singled out women.

The 35-day protest, which sought education reforms amid concerns over exam-paper leaks, ended on 25 July after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Videos and posters showing female protesters insulting Modi had circulated widely online during the agitation.

In an Instagram video after the protest, Modi said some “naughty children” had used language with no place in a civilised society, including abuse directed at him and his late mother. He said he forgave them, while calling it a culture shock to hear such language from “our daughters”.

A 15-year-old girl who became part of the online controversy posted an apology and removed her video, but continued to receive abuse and threats online. Police opened an investigation into abusive posts. Her mother said the family had moved homes several times amid the backlash.

Gandhi called Modi’s focus on women protesters patriarchal. The exchange has kept attention on the language used in public protest, and on whether women face a different standard for it.