The Congress’s initiative to distribute free sanitary pads under its Priyadarshini Udaan Yojana in Bihar—intended to promote menstrual hygiene—has sparked fierce backlash. Each pad packet features Rahul Gandhi’s photo, alongside Congress branding, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP and its allies .

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari labeled the move “an insult to women of Bihar,” branding Congress an “anti-women party” aiming to politically exploit a sensitive product . He urged women to teach Congress and its electoral ally RJD a lesson. LJP leader Chirag Paswan described the inclusion of Gandhi’s face as “awkward and inappropriate,” accusing the party of electioneering through a health initiative.

In response, Congress leader Alka Lamba defended the campaign, saying the focus should be on menstrual health - not the branding. She pointed out that many women in Bihar still rely on cloth during menstruation and fall ill, accusing the BJP of having an “anti-women mindset”.

The controversy comes amid a broader push by the Congress to engage women voters through its Mai Bahin Samman Yojana, which also promises a monthly stipend for women should the INDIA bloc win the upcoming elections .