NEW DELHI, Oct 11 (TIWN): The exclusion of female journalists from the press event with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi has sparked widespread criticism from Indian politicians and media organizations. Critics argue that this incident is a setback for gender equality and democratic values in India.

Key Reactions

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi: Criticized the government, saying that by allowing the exclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is telling every woman in India that they are too weak.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: Questioned Modi's commitment to women's rights, labeling the exclusion an "insult to some of India's most competent women".

Anger after female journalists excluded from Afghan embassy event in India

Mahua Moitra: Condemned the "emasculated spineless male journos" who attended the event without protesting the absence of female journalists.
Editors Guild of India and Indian Women's Press Corps: Strongly condemned the exclusion, urging the Indian government to publicly reaffirm press access at diplomatic events must respect gender equity.

The Indian government has clarified that it had "no involvement whatsoever" in the event, stating that the Afghan Embassy operates under the control of Afghan authorities. However, critics argue that India should uphold its commitment to democratic values and gender inclusivity, despite the diplomatic engagement with the Taliban.

Following the men-only press event, Rahul Gandhi said on social media: "In our country, women have the right to equal participation in every space."

Indian politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked Modi to clarify his position on "the removal of female journalists" from the gathering.

She asked how "this insult to some of India's most competent women" had been allowed in "a country whose women are its backbone and its pride".

Others expressed shock and said the men who went to the event should have walked out in solidarity with their female colleagues.

"Why did our emasculated spineless male journos remain in room?" wrote politician Mahua Moitra on social media.

She added: "Government has dishonoured every single Indian woman by allowing Taliban minister to exclude women journalists from presser. Shameful bunch of spineless hypocrites."