Boss in my family was always Dadi, says Rahul Gandhi to women's groups

Bhopal : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi met with representatives of women's groups in Bhopal today to seek their input for his party's manifesto for the approaching national elections.

"Let me tell you... in my house... there was a papa (father)... a chacha (father's younger brother)... but the boss of the house was always my dadi," Mr Gandhi said, referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was his paternal grandmother. He said, "Women don't need anyone's protection; they need to be given their right and a place." (Highlights of Rahul Gandhi's interaction)

She was assassinated in 1984. Mr Gandhi's father, Rajiv, was then elected prime minister but he was killed by a suicide bomber in 1991.

On Friday, addressing a mega conclave of the Congress, Mr Gandhi had promised that his party would gather inputs from various sections of society, including women and minorities, to ensure that its manifesto for the general elections due by May incorporates the needs and aspirations of the people of the country.

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Mr Gandhi's mother, Sonia, announced last week that he will not be the party's prime ministerial candidate, but will lead the Congress' campaign for the election. The main opposition party, the BJP, alleges this proves that the Congress believes it cannot win the national election, and wants to protect Mr Gandhi from being associated with defeat.

The BJP's prime ministerial choice, Narendra Modi, said yesterday at a rally, "I see a very human, sensitive reason for the decision. Would any mother sacrifice her son? Sonia Gandhi thought 'no, save my son'". (Read)

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