Rahul Gandhi defends Kriti Sanon amid backlash over Raksha Bandhan ad outfit: ‘Her choice’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has defended actress Kriti Sanon amid a backlash over her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement, asserting that "what a woman wears is her choice."

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What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes - is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom.

Gandhi shared Sanon's Instagram story on his account, writing, "What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes - is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom." He also used the "Smash the Patriarchy" hashtag.

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When will we stop telling women what to wear?

The controversy stems from a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring Sanon. In the ad, she wears a bralette-style blouse with a cape and skirt while tying a rakhi to her onscreen brother. The outfit drew criticism from some social media users who called it "inappropriate" for the festival.

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The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions.

Sanon had previously addressed the criticism, questioning on Instagram Stories, "When will we stop telling women what to wear?" She emphasized that the essence of festivals lies in emotions and meaning, not clothes, and that a woman's respect for culture is not solely measured by her attire.

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Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!