Congress Faces Backlash Over Sanitary Pad Boxes Featuring Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra in Bihar
Patna : The Congress party is facing sharp criticism after distributing sanitary pad boxes bearing the pictures of senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to over five lakh women in Bihar ahead of the upcoming elections.
The move, part of the party’s outreach initiative for women’s health and empowerment, has sparked political controversy. The ruling Janata Dal (United) slammed the Congress, calling it an “arrogant display of power.” The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went further, labeling it as “shameless sycophancy.”
Reacting to the criticism, Congress leader Alka Lamba defended the initiative, stating that the campaign highlights a harsh reality in Bihar. “Women in Bihar are still compelled to use cloth during menstruation, which often leads to infections and other health issues. We are trying to raise awareness and provide basic dignity through this initiative,” she said.
While the Congress maintains that the distribution is part of its women-centric health campaign, opposition parties have accused it of politicizing a sensitive issue for electoral gains. The incident has ignited a debate on the intersection of public health, political messaging, and election strategies.
