‘Taliban policy in India?’ Congress asks as women journalists denied access to Afghan FM’s press meet

MANGALURU: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Padmaraj R. Poojary on Sunday hit out at the Centre over reports that women journalists were denied entry to a press conference addressed by visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi.

Calling it a “Taliban-style move,” Poojary questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue. “As Indians, we hold women in high regard and believe in equal opportunities for all. It is disgraceful that Taliban-like policies are being reflected in India too,” he said in a statement.

Muttaqi, who held bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reportedly restricted women journalists from attending his media interaction.

“Prime Minister Modi, who often speaks about women’s empowerment, has chosen to remain silent on such blatant discrimination,” Poojary said. “The BJP, which once accused the Congress government of having a Taliban mindset, has now exposed its own mentality.”

He further said that denying access to media personnel — considered the fourth pillar of democracy — raises serious concerns about freedom of the press in India. “The Prime Minister must break his silence and clarify his stand,” Poojary demanded.