New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) The controversy surrounding Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon’s outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement intensified on Wednesday, with Opposition and ruling party leaders getting into sharp exchange after the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the former and supported her in deciding her clothing choices.

Gandhi shared Sanon’s response to the controversy on his Instagram Story and wrote: “What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice.” He also urged people to “Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom”, adding the hashtag “smash the patriarchy”.

Reacting to Gandhi’s intervention, Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC told IANS that the Congress leader has made it a habit to interfere in every issue.

“It has become Rahul Gandhi’s habit to interfere in everything and everywhere. Regarding students too, he projects himself as if he is a messiah. When an issue concerning women comes up, about women’s respect or women’s attire, he jumps into that as well,” she said.

“Perhaps this culture is acceptable to him, where one can wear a bikini and celebrate Raksha Bandhan. But in our Indian culture and civilisation, this will never be accepted,” Shaina NC added.

Haryana Minister Anil Vij also weighed in on the issue, saying that while individuals had freedom, religious traditions and sentiments should also be respected.

“It is freedom. But we also respect our religion and traditions. Rakhi is a sacred festival. It is a festival of love between brothers and sisters. What should be worn at that time, all the sisters of our country know,” he said.

JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak, however, struck a more balanced note, saying people should not judge or make allegations against an individual solely on the basis of their clothing.

“Regarding clothing, yes, it is part of Indian culture to present oneself in a manner that is pleasing to others. However, you cannot cast aspersions on an individual simply because of the kind of clothes they choose to wear,” Rajak told IANS.

Congress leaders defended Sanon and criticised BJP MP Kangana Ranaut over her remarks.

Congress leader Udit Raj said Ranaut should look at her own old photographs before commenting on others.

“Kangana Ranaut should look back at her own old pictures. After that, if she has even an ounce of sense, decency or honesty left, she should apologise to Kriti Sanon and to everyone,” he said.

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput said Sanon had done nothing wrong and that Gandhi had consistently supported women’s rights and equality.

“What a woman wears or chooses to drape is her personal matter, a strictly personal matter. Foolish and frivolous people like Kangana Ranaut create discord in society by making such remarks,” he said.

Congress MP Pawan Khera added that Gandhi’s politics had always focused on ensuring justice and preventing discrimination.

The controversy erupted after Sanon faced criticism for wearing an Indo-Western outfit featuring a bralette and skirt in the Raksha Bandhan advertisement. The video showed the actor tying a Rakhi to her brother and her pet dog, triggering a wider debate on social media over women’s clothing, individual freedom and the portrayal of Indian traditions.

Meanwhile, jewellery brand GIVA removed the advertisement featuring Sanon, a day after the actor hit back at critics who questioned her choice of attire in the commercial.

–IANS

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