Rahul Gandhi Urges Youth Protests Over Women's Safety
Rahul Gandhi called on Gen Z women and youth to peacefully protest against sexual violence following a gang rape of a teenager in South Delhi.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called on Indian youth and Gen Z women on September 29, 2026, to engage in peaceful protests against rape and harassment. His remarks followed student-led demonstrations in Delhi, primarily involving Delhi University and Lady Shri Ram College for Women students, triggered by the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in south Delhi earlier this month.
Gandhi argued that the government's response to sexual violence reflects a patriarchal system that "blames the victim and shields the criminal." He criticized the tendency to restrict women's movements in response to crime—citing reports of sexual violence in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab—as an "insane" approach. He asserted that the government only responds to these issues when placed under public pressure and demanded a shift toward making streets safer and ensuring swift punishment for perpetrators.
Protesters are demanding improved safety infrastructure, including better street lighting, surveillance, and increased police presence around educational institutions. In response to the Aastha Kunj case, the Delhi Police have arrested three suspects. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court of India has raised concerns regarding accountability in recent rape cases within the region.
