Pune Congress Women Wing Protests Against Smriti Irani: Demands Action on Manipur Issue

Pune, 28th July 2023: The women wing of Congress in Pune City staged a public protest at Goodluck Chowk, Artist Katta, around 11 am, targeting the Women and Child Development Minister, Smriti Irani. The demonstration was triggered by Irani’s perceived silence on the Manipur issue.

Puja Manish Anand, chairperson of the protest, strongly condemned Smriti Irani and the central government for failing to take action to address the situation in Manipur, despite being a woman herself. Anand accused Irani of using her position in the Lok Sabha to make unthinking statements, misleading the public.

Congress leader Mohan Dada Joshi expressed disappointment in Smriti Irani, stating that as a constitutional figure, she should have spoken out against the oppression of women. He also criticized Prime Minister Modi, referring to him as a “Crime Minister.”

During the protest, slogans like ‘BJP Bhagao, Savidhan Bachao’ were chanted by Congress women party workers, expressing their discontent with the ruling party’s treatment of women and the government’s lack of action.

Prachi Dudhane added her voice, accusing Irani of neglecting her responsibilities as the Minister of Women and Child Development and turning a blind eye to the injustice faced by women, merely treating it as a political matter. She asserted that the Congress party would fight for the dignity of women and respond to the atrocities in Manipur with love and peace, countering the BJP’s alleged dictatorship tendencies.

Rajshree Adsul introduced the attendees, and Priyanka Ranpise delivered the vote of thanks at the protest.

Various dignitaries, officials, and women activists, including Mohan Joshi, Prachi Dudhane, Swati Shinde, Priyanka Ranpise, Ashwini Gaware, Reshma Shilegaonkar, and others were present during the demonstration.