Pune, August 22: Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Students’ Echo’ program in Pune, Congress MP Pawan Khera made significant remarks regarding women’s education and empowerment. He emphasized the urgency of addressing women’s issues today.
During a press conference, Khera stated, “In Pune, where Savitribai Phule laid the foundation for women’s education through a revolutionary step, the theme of women’s empowerment and ‘Students’ Echo’ has been brought to the forefront. This is a crucial topic. People talk about a developed India, but if 50 percent of the population is excluded from this journey of progress, how can India develop?”
Khera criticized the central government regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, saying, “Even after the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed, it is not being implemented. Excuses are being made—sometimes under the guise of delimitation, sometimes under the pretext of census—hiding behind every possible excuse to ensure that only men remain in policy-making rooms while women are kept out.”
The Rajya Sabha member pointed out the 16 percent literacy gap between men and women. He accused the system of conspiring to keep women away from schools and colleges. “Last night in Pune, ABVP goons entered the girls’ hostel. This was done solely to intimidate young women, to send the message that ‘you should not step out; your place is within the four walls of your home,'” he said.
Khera asserted, “Men are not the threat; the threat is to men’s egos. That ego must be challenged, as it is this very ego that has kept women away from colleges, jobs, policy-making, and politics. Therefore, focusing on women in ‘Students’ Echo’ is timely. Rahul Gandhi is raising this important issue at the right moment. Very few people pay attention to this aspect.”
He called for a strong political voice against these conspiracies. “We take pride in our party, which has given this country and the world an iron lady like Indira Gandhi and a fearless leader like Priyanka Gandhi.”
Khera continued, “We are proud of our party, where hundreds of women are waving the flag in politics. Under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership, we have won many elections, and she has also served as the party president. Women are far ahead of men. Men cannot match them, which is why they want to push women back into their homes.”
He praised Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for engaging with young women in Delhi who raised their voices in movements. “It is our responsibility to provide a platform for women to express themselves, and we do so with pride,” he added.
Regarding the clash between ABVP and NSUI members at COEP College, Khera remarked, “It is incorrect to say that there was a clash between ABVP and NSUI students. Who entered the girls’ hostel? If a goon enters my home, there is no question of confrontation; I have the right to push him out.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of discussing and actively engaging with the issues and challenges faced by girls, students, and women in workplaces, schools, colleges, society, and politics. “I am proud that our leader has decided to directly engage with these issues,” he said.
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