MANGALURU: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Padmaraj R. Poojary on Sunday condemned the exclusion of women journalists from the press conference addressed by visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi, terming it a “Taliban-style act” and questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue.
Muttaqi, who is in India for bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reportedly held a press briefing where women journalists were denied entry. Calling the move “deeply shocking,” Padmaraj said, “As Indians, we regard women with respect. They enjoy equal opportunities in all spheres. It is shameful that such Taliban-like policies are being seen in India too.”
In a strongly worded statement, the Congress leader said, “Prime Minister Modi, who often speaks about women’s empowerment, has remained silent even in the face of such discrimination. The BJP, which once accused the Congress government of having a Taliban mindset, has now exposed its own mentality.”
Padmaraj further demanded that the Prime Minister clarify his stance, stating that if journalists — the fourth pillar of democracy — are treated this way, “it raises serious concerns about the direction in which the country is heading.”
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