# Political Controversy Erupts Over Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan Ad as Rahul Gandhi's Support Triggers NDA Backlash

> The debate over Kriti Sanon's wardrobe in a Raksha Bandhan commercial has transformed into a political war of words. Rahul Gandhi's defense of the actress has sparked sharp reactions from Congress, Shiv Sena, and JDU leaders.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Bollywood · **Published:** 2026-08-26 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/bollywood/kriti-sanon-ke-rakshabndhana-eda-para-shuru-hue-vivada-men-kude-rajanitika-diggaja-rahul-gandhi-ke-samarthana-para-bjp-sahayogiyon-22456 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Kriti Sanon, Rahul Gandhi, Kangana Ranaut, Raksha Bandhan Ad Controversy, Udit Raj, Shaina NC, Shyam Rajak, Bollywood Politics

The ongoing controversy surrounding Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon's recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement has escalated beyond the film industry, transforming into a high-profile political confrontation. Following objections raised by BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut regarding Sanon's choice of attire in the commercial, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi stepped forward in support of the actress. Gandhi's condemnation of online policing against women triggered intense reactions across party lines, with Congress leaders defending personal liberty while key figures from the BJP and its coalition allies questioned the cultural appropriateness of the advertisement.

## The Commercial Campaign Details and Kriti Sanon's Response
The issue stems from a festive commercial campaign produced for a prominent jewelry brand on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. In the advertisement, actress Kriti Sanon appears in an off-white Indo-western outfit featuring a bralette style blouse, draped skirt, and cape. The commercial depicts Sanon tying a rakhi on her brother's wrist while also tying one on her pet dog. Shortly after the advertisement was released, sections of social media users criticized both the actress's wardrobe and the overall creative theme of the campaign.

Responding directly to the online backlash, Kriti Sanon published a detailed statement on social media to clarify her perspective. She emphasized that the true meaning of traditional festivals is anchored in deep emotional connections and enduring relationships rather than the clothing worn by individuals. Sanon noted that she and her sister regularly tie rakhis to each other to express wishes for mutual protection, good health, happiness, and longevity. She further stated that her pets are considered integral members of her family, effectively rejecting the criticism directed at the campaign.

## Kangana Ranaut's Objections and Rahul Gandhi's Intervention
As the controversy gained traction, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut voiced strong disapproval of the advertisement's styling without explicitly naming Kriti Sanon. Ranaut questioned why an individual would tie a rakhi while dressed in attire resembling a bikini or undergarments when numerous wardrobe options are available. She characterized the styling choice as intentionally strange and out of step with traditional expectations.

Following Ranaut's public remarks, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi intervened by sharing Sanon's post on his Instagram story. Gandhi took a firm stance against the digital harassment of women, asserting that what a woman chooses to wear, do, or where she goes remains entirely her own decision. He expressed explicit opposition to the practice of trolling and monitoring women for exercising their personal freedom.

## Congress Leaders Attack Kangana Over Personal Liberty
Following Gandhi's statement, several Congress figures publicly defended the actress while criticizing Kangana Ranaut. Congress leader Udit Raj launched a direct assault on Ranaut, suggesting that she reflect on her own past wardrobe choices before judging others. Udit Raj remarked, **"People who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others."** He added that if Ranaut retains any sense of honesty, she should issue an apology to Sanon and the public. He maintained that every citizen possesses the right to make personal choices regarding food and attire without unsolicited commentary from others.

In Lucknow, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput reinforced this stance, stating that Sanon had committed no wrongdoing. Rajput asserted that Rahul Gandhi consistently advocates for women's autonomy, rights, and gender equality. He accused figures like Ranaut of deliberately fabricating conflicts within society by issuing provocative public commentary on private matters.

## Shiv Sena Critique and JDU's Distinct Stance
Conversely, Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC raised sharp objections in Mumbai regarding Rahul Gandhi's intervention. She accused Gandhi of habitually interfering in diverse public matters to portray himself as a savior figure. Shaina NC questioned whether Gandhi endorses a culture where sacred festivals like Raksha Bandhan are celebrated in attire resembling a bikini, maintaining that such portrayals clash with established Indian cultural values.

In Patna, JDU National General Secretary Shyam Rajak offered a distinct perspective on the debate. Rajak observed that critics of the advertisement are not entirely correct in their assessment. He noted that while personal presentation forms part of cultural expressions, an individual's character or intentions cannot be judged solely on the basis of their attire.

## What this means for you
**Across India:** This controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding women's personal choices, dress freedom, and online harassment in public discourse.

**For Brands & Advertising:** It underscores the growing challenge for commercial brands to balance modern creative themes with traditional cultural sensibilities during festive campaigns.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What sparked the controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan advertisement?
The controversy arose over Kriti Sanon's Indo-western attire and scenes depicting her tying a rakhi to her pet dog in a commercial for a jewelry brand.

### 2. What remarks did Kangana Ranaut make regarding the commercial?
Kangana Ranaut questioned the styling of the ad, stating that tying a rakhi in attire resembling a bikini or undergarments seemed intentionally strange when multiple clothing options exist.

### 3. How did Rahul Gandhi support Kriti Sanon in this matter?
Rahul Gandhi reshared Kriti Sanon's post on Instagram, stating that a woman's clothing and choices are her personal decisions and opposing online harassment.

### 4. How did leaders from Shiv Sena and JDU react to Rahul Gandhi's stance?
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC questioned Gandhi's stance as contrary to Indian culture, while JDU leader Shyam Rajak noted that clothing alone should not determine a person's character.

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