Shivraj reacts to viral Delhi protest videos, questions women’s safety

NEW DELHI: Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reacted to viral videos from women-led protests in Delhi, questioning why women and girls have been forced to raise slogans about their safety and men. The remarks came amid demonstrations following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old.

Chouhan referred to one of the slogans doing the rounds online, “Ek kachori-do samosa, in mardo ka kya bharosa”, and said the situation required serious consideration. “Why has the situation come to this, that our daughters have to chant slogans like 'One kachori, two samosas'? We must think seriously about this,” he said in a post on X, sharing a video of himself at an event.

The protests have also produced a series of rhyming slogans that have spread across social media, including, “Ek kachori, do samosa, in mardon ka kya bharosa,” “1 jeera, 2 ajwain, mard samaj do resign” and “Thandi chai garam karo, mard jaat sharam karo.” The slogans, which have circulated widely through Instagram, X and other platforms, have become part of the online vocabulary around the protests.

The demonstrations were triggered by concerns over women’s safety following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old at Aastha Kunj Park near Lady Shri Ram College. Chouhan called for a collective commitment to women’s safety and dignity. “We must take a resolve— We will respect our sisters and daughters, we will ensure their safety, and we will protect their rights,” he said.

The first major demonstration was held on September 23, when around 200 students from Delhi University and affiliated institutions, including Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Miranda House, Gargi College and Dr BR Ambedkar University, took to the streets. On September 25, hundreds of women students marched near Delhi University’s South Campus, demanding safer public spaces and stronger action against sexual harassment. Another demonstration was later held at the Faculty of Arts.

The protests have since been followed by measures from civic and security agencies. The Delhi Development Authority and Municipal Corporation of Delhi undertook safety audits of public parks, focusing on lighting, security personnel at entry and exit points and patrolling after sundown. Delhi Police also stepped up patrolling across parks and other areas. All three accused in the Aastha Kunj case have been arrested, according to PTI. One accused was pursuing a law course, whole another was arrested after an encounter with a Delhi Police.

The issue has also drawn political reactions. Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi backed the student-led protests and said, “Stop punishing women for the crimes committed against them. Across our country, women are afraid to walk the streets, afraid of being harassed, afraid of being raped. And the government’s answer: stay at home,” Gandhi said. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also questioned restrictions placed on women, while chief minister Rekha Gupta said women’s safety should not come at the cost of restricting their freedom. Gupta said the Delhi government was strengthening safety infrastructure, including 50,000 CCTV cameras and one lakh streetlights.