On her one-day visit to Bihar, Congress General Secretary and Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi participated in the “Mahila Samvad” (Women’s Dialogue) event held at the Congress office in Patna, located at Sadakat Ashram. During the event, Priyanka Gandhi launched a direct attack on both the BJP and the Nitish Kumar-led state government. She emphasized the real meaning of respect and empowerment for women, dismissing the idea of offering a mere financial gesture before elections as a form of buying votes.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Criticism of BJP and Nitish Kumar’s Government
Priyanka Gandhi took a strong stand against the prevailing political scenario in Bihar, where the government and opposition are often at odds, especially when it comes to women’s welfare and respect. While addressing the gathering, she remarked that true respect for women should not be measured by a mere 10,000 rupees handed out before elections. She stated that such gestures were attempts to buy votes, rather than genuinely acknowledging women’s worth and dignity.
She went on to elaborate that real women’s empowerment would only come when women receive proper remuneration for their work, when they are supported to stand on their own feet, and when their daughters can safely pursue education without fear. According to Priyanka, a real sense of respect would be achieved when women are treated fairly, given opportunities, and supported by the government in every aspect of their lives.
Priyanka Gandhi argued that both the BJP and the Nitish Kumar government had failed to provide the type of empowerment they promised to women. Instead of standing by women, the current government often responded with force when women raised their voices for their rights. In many instances, women who protested were subjected to violence, and some were even imprisoned. Priyanka’s remarks were aimed at highlighting the inadequacy of the current government in delivering genuine benefits to women.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Interaction with Women from Various Sectors
During the “Mahila Samvad” program, Priyanka Gandhi had the opportunity to engage with women from different sectors, including Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, farmers, laborers, and women involved in various other professions. Through direct interaction, she listened to their grievances and concerns, acknowledging the challenges they face on a daily basis. Priyanka assured the women that the India Alliance government, should it come to power, would work to address their problems through comprehensive solutions.
She emphasized the importance of understanding which political party truly honors women’s efforts. Priyanka pointed out that when a party offers money just before an election, it is not a gesture of respect. Such practices, according to her, are aimed at manipulating voters rather than empowering them.
Empowerment Beyond Financial Handouts
Priyanka Gandhi outlined her vision of what true women’s empowerment looks like. For her, empowerment meant more than just temporary handouts during election times. She explained that women’s dignity would be restored only when their work is valued, when they receive consistent support, and when they are able to thrive independently. According to Priyanka, a true commitment to women’s welfare would mean the government actively working to create opportunities for women to sustain themselves and their families.
She further stated that real empowerment would involve consistent financial support, safety, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of women. Priyanka called for the strengthening of the rights and opportunities for women across the state, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and job security.
A Call to Women to Recognize Their Strength
Priyanka Gandhi also delivered an empowering message to the women of Bihar, urging them to recognize their inner strength and the value of their struggles. She encouraged the women to understand the true worth of their contributions and not allow any political party to undermine their efforts. Her message resonated deeply with the women present at the event, as she stressed the importance of transforming their struggles into strength.
In a passionate appeal, Priyanka told the women that while each of them faced different challenges, their struggles were all interconnected. She reminded them that their collective efforts were key to the advancement of women’s rights and equality. She urged women to unite and work together for their rights, emphasizing that only through unity could they bring about meaningful change.
Addressing the Economic Struggles of Women
Priyanka Gandhi also acknowledged the dire economic situation faced by many women in Bihar. She highlighted that for the past 20 years, there had been little progress in improving the economic status of women. Many women in rural areas were unable to afford the education of their children, and the lack of local employment opportunities forced many husbands to migrate for work. This created further burdens for women, who were left to manage their households alone.
Priyanka pointed out that the lack of job opportunities in Bihar has led to a mass exodus of workers, leaving women to bear the responsibility of running their homes without adequate support. She stressed that such conditions were not acceptable and that the women of Bihar deserved better.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Promises for Women in Bihar
During her speech, Priyanka Gandhi made several promises for the future, particularly if the India Alliance government comes to power. She assured the women of Bihar that under a Mahagathbandhan government, they would receive financial support in the form of monthly allowances, healthcare benefits, and land rights.
Priyanka promised that women would receive 2,500 rupees every month, which would help them manage their household expenses and provide financial independence. Furthermore, she pledged to provide free healthcare for women, with a coverage of up to 25 lakh rupees. For landless families, she committed to offering land rights, with women being the primary beneficiaries. This promise aimed to empower women economically, providing them with a sense of ownership and control over their resources.
Commitment to Address Women’s Issues in Bihar
Priyanka Gandhi’s speech in Patna highlighted her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by women in Bihar. From providing financial independence to ensuring healthcare and land rights, her promises were aimed at empowering women across the state. She emphasized that only a government that truly understands and respects women’s struggles could bring about the necessary changes to improve their lives.
She also stressed the importance of a strong political alliance that would prioritize the welfare of women, their safety, and their economic empowerment. Priyanka’s words echoed a sense of hope and determination, urging women to take charge of their futures and to demand the respect and opportunities they deserve.
Priyanka Gandhi’s visit to Bihar was a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse, especially in the context of women’s rights and empowerment. Her speech resonated with the women of Bihar, as she acknowledged their struggles and promised concrete steps toward improving their lives. The India Alliance’s focus on providing financial support, healthcare, and land rights for women could prove to be a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape. As Bihar heads into its future, the role of women in the state’s development will undoubtedly be a key factor in shaping its progress.
