Priyanka criticizes PM Modi for excluding women journalists.
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi, Chidambaram, and Karti criticized the Modi government for allowing women journalists to be excluded from the Taliban foreign minister’s press conference, calling it unacceptable and regressive.
Priyanka Gandhi Slams Modi Government Over Exclusion of Women Journalists at Taliban Press MeetNew Delhi:
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his stance after women journalists were excluded from a press conference held by visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Gandhi described the incident as a blatant “insult to some of India’s most competent women,” highlighting concerns about gender equality and women’s rights in the country.
She further questioned the government’s commitment to women’s rights:
“If your recognition of women’s rights isn’t just convenient posturing from one election to the other, how has this insult to some of India’s most competent women been allowed.
The press conference, held at the Afghanistan Embassy in New Delhi, came shortly after Muttaqi met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, regional stability, and humanitarian issues. While the visit itself was part of ongoing diplomatic engagement, the absence of female journalists drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and media observers alike.
Chidambaram Voices ShockSenior Congress leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram also expressed his dismay over the incident. Posting on X, he wrote:
His comments reflected broader concern among political circles that the government, by allowing the exclusion of women reporters, may have sent the wrong signal about India’s commitment to gender equality on an international stage.
Karti Chidambaram Calls It “Outright Ridiculous”Congress MP Karti Chidambaram added his voice, acknowledging the complex geopolitical realities that necessitate engagement with the Taliban, but criticizing the government’s acquiescence to discriminatory practices.
“I understand the geopolitical compulsions that force us to engage with the Taliban, but to accede to their discriminatory and plain primitive mores is outright ridiculous. It’s very disappointing to note the conduct of the @MEAIndia and @DrSJaishankar in excluding women journalists from the press briefing of the Taliban Minister,” he said on social media.
Karti’s remarks underscored the tension between diplomatic pragmatism and adherence to democratic and egalitarian values. Many opposition leaders argue that while India may need to maintain channels of communication with the Taliban for humanitarian and security reasons, it should do so without compromising the rights and dignity of women — especially within its own borders.
Women’s Rights and National PrideThe incident has sparked broader debate about India’s stance on women’s rights at a time when female journalists, diplomats, and civil society leaders are increasingly visible on national and international platforms. Critics argue that excluding women from such events not only undermines their professional contributions but also erodes India’s image as a nation that values equality and justice.
For many, the absence of women journalists at the Taliban press meet was more than a procedural issue; it symbolized a clash between entrenched patriarchal norms and India’s aspirations as a modern, inclusive democracy.
Priyanka Gandhi, Chidambaram, and Karti Chidambaram’s statements collectively highlighted that while diplomacy may require engagement with complex regimes, it should never come at the cost of sidelining women — the backbone and pride of the nation.