In a bold political move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress party has launched a sanitary pad distribution drive aimed at empowering women, featuring the image of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on the packaging. Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar unveiled the initiative at a press conference, stating that around five lakh women across the state would benefit from the campaign, which will be led by the Mahila Congress. “Our aim is to promote menstrual hygiene awareness. Mahila Congress workers will carry out the distribution and sensitization efforts,” Kumar said, holding up sample packets.
However, the initiative has sparked controversy, with the BJP strongly objecting to Rahul Gandhi’s image on the sanitary pad packets. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X (formerly Twitter), calling it “an insult to the women of Bihar” and labeling Congress as an “anti-women party.” He added, “Women of Bihar will teach Congress-RJD a lesson.” The criticism has added a fresh layer of political tension between rival parties ahead of the upcoming polls.
The Congress-RJD alliance, part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), is looking to regain power in the state. While reports suggest that the coalition partners have agreed on seat-sharing terms, an official announcement is still awaited. With Assembly elections expected later this year, political activity in Bihar is ramping up. In May, Rahul Gandhi toured several regions of the state, interacting with residents and criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi over issues like the caste census and social equity.
