25,000 “Rahul-Brand” Pads Distributed in Bihar Under Padman-Style Stunt—Welfare or Gimmick?

While it’s laudable that 80% of adolescent girls in Bihar lack access to sanitary napkins, using Rahul Gandhi’s mug as the brand logo feels less like women’s empowerment and more like emoji-level political pandering. Imagine reaching into your purse and pulling out a sanitary pad with the Congress scion’s smiling face—welcome to India’s new era of healthcare product endorsements by elected politicians.

Rahul’s Mug Turns Menstrual Hygiene into Campaign Billboard

The Congress attempted to position Rahul Gandhi as a “Padman” champion, contrasting sharply with Bihar’s existing Kishori Swasthya Yojana, which provides a modest ₹300 annually per girl and has installed vending machines in 209 schools . But while the state scheme quietly addresses access, the Congress drive screams for camera flashes—because nothing says menstrual dignity quite like a politician’s face plastered on your period essentials.

This stunt raises more questions than it answers: Are we improving girls’ health or just improving Congress’s selfie outreach? Will the next welfare scheme feature Priyanka Gandhi-branded condoms or Sonia Gandhi-themed bandages? At this rate, the Congress might as well rebrand every welfare cheque with a 4×6 photo of the entire Gandhi family—until voters start demanding T-shirts, tote bags, and humblebrag anniversary calendars to go with their government services.

In the end, this “innovative” approach seems less about sanitary needs and more about marketing Rahul Gandhi’s brand—because what better way to remain memorable than by sticking your image on products people use in their most private moments? One hopes Bihar’s women appreciate the free pads, but it’s hard to ignore the gimmick smell wafting from this birthday bonanza.