Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], August 24 (ANI): Congress MP Mallu Ravi on Monday backed Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's remarks on women's independence, saying that traditional notions of dependence continue to hold back women and limit their participation in social and economic development.
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi's statement, Ravi said that the mindset associated with "Manu Dharma" had contributed to women considering themselves inferior to men, despite their ability to perform equally in several spheres.
"This philosophy of dependence of Manu Dharma is weakening society, particularly women. Though women are capable of doing many things equal to men, they are not doing so because they mentally think they are inferior to men," Ravi said.
He argued that such social conditioning has affected the pace of women's development in India and said that women need to recognise their rights and exercise greater independence in their personal and public lives.
"This kind of thinking is suppressing the development of women in India. That is why he made an open call to all women to become independent and exercise their rights," the Congress MP said.
Ravi stressed that advocating independence for women does not mean disregarding family relationships. He said women can continue to respect their fathers, husbands and sons while simultaneously making independent choices and living their lives on their own terms.
"While respecting their father, husband, and son, they should also think and live independently, just as men do," he said.
The Congress MP described the proposed shift in women's thinking as potentially transformative for Indian society and expressed hope that it could lead to what he termed a "bloodless revolution" in the country.
"I hope this will bring a bloodless revolution in India. There will be great development after this change in the way women think," Ravi said.
His remarks came in the context of Rahul Gandhi's comments on women's autonomy and the social structures that, according to him, have historically restricted women's independence.
Ravi's comments underscore the Congress's emphasis on women's empowerment and greater social and economic autonomy, while framing the issue as one involving not only individual rights but also broader societal development.
He said a change in how women perceive their own capabilities and rights would ultimately contribute to India's overall progress. (ANI)
"Women should think and live independently just as men do": Congress MP Mallu Ravi on Rahul Gandhi's remarks
