New Delhi:
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the absence of female journalists during the press conference of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held in New Delhi. She called the situation “an insult to women” and said it reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to gender equality in public and diplomatic forums.
According to sources, no female journalists were present at the event, which has sparked a nationwide debate on women’s representation in media coverage of official government events. Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the issue on social media, stating that female journalists should have equal access to important press briefings, especially those involving foreign dignitaries.
The Congress leader’s statement comes at a time when discussions on gender inclusivity and women’s participation in decision-making and media spaces are gaining prominence in India. Experts say that ensuring the presence of women journalists at high-profile events is essential for balanced reporting and fostering equality in professional spaces.
Priyanka Gandhi urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure that women journalists are not excluded from such events in the future. She emphasized that public institutions and officials should actively promote equal representation, allowing female reporters to ask questions and cover major diplomatic developments without discrimination.
The issue also attracted reactions from various media organizations, journalist associations, and civil society groups. Many stressed that the absence of women journalists undermines the principles of inclusive governance and media freedom.
The Afghan Foreign Minister’s visit to India is part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, and the press conference was widely covered by news agencies. However, the absence of female reporters raised questions about how media access is coordinated and whether sufficient attention is given to gender representation during such events.
Political analysts note that the controversy could have implications for both media policies and government transparency. Priyanka Gandhi’s intervention highlights the growing expectation that officials should actively uphold gender equality norms, not only in domestic policymaking but also in public interactions with the press and international dignitaries.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet issued a formal response to the criticism. However, the issue has reignited discussions about women’s rights, representation, and accountability in public and diplomatic forums.
This incident underlines the need for systematic reforms to ensure that women journalists are treated equally, and that their voices are represented in the coverage of major political and diplomatic events in India.
