Rahul Gandhi’s Photo On Sanitary Pads Triggers Political Row In Bihar; Congress Clarifies

A new campaign by the Congress party in Bihar has led to controversy after sanitary pad boxes featuring Rahul Gandhi's photo were distributed as part of the "Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana." The party aims to give out five lakh sanitary pad boxes to promote menstrual hygiene among rural women. However, political opponents and members of the public have raised concerns about the design.

The NDA alliance, including BJP and JD(U), called the move disrespectful to women. JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said Congress was copying the aggressive politics of its ally, RJD, and ignoring the work done by CM Nitish Kumar for women's empowerment. BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishna called the move inappropriate and accused Congress of using cheap tactics for publicity.

Congress leaders, however, defended the campaign. Bihar Congress president Rajesh Kumar said the initiative was linked with the INDIA bloc's "Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana," which promises ₹2,500 per month to women if voted into power. Alka Lamba, head of the Mahila Congress, supported the campaign and questioned why many women in Bihar still have to use cloth during their periods.

Public reactions were mixed. Some women, like Pinki Kumari from Muzaffarpur, felt using Rahul Gandhi's photo was insulting. Others, like Sunita Singh from Vaishali, said the focus should be on women's safety, not publicity.

Lamba hit back at critics by pointing out that BJP leaders have used Prime Minister Modi's photo on many items, including vaccine certificates.

The incident has sparked a broader debate on how political parties approach women's issues-through real change or campaign messaging.