Rahul Gandhi has come out in support of Kriti Sanon after the actor faced criticism over her outfit in a jewellery advertisement released ahead of Raksha Bandhan.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha addressed the controversy in an Instagram post on Tuesday, writing, “What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes is her choice.” He added, “Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom.”

Gandhi’s comments came after Sanon responded to the backlash surrounding the advertisement, which features her in an Indo-Western ensemble comprising a bralette-inspired blouse, cape and draped skirt as she ties a rakhi.

The campaign had drawn criticism on social media, with some users questioning whether her outfit was appropriate for a festival associated with the bond between siblings. Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut also criticised the advertisement and questioned the styling.

Also Read: After Kriti Sanon’s response, brand withdraws Raksha Bandhan ad amid controversy

Kriti Sanon responds to criticism

Addressing the controversy, Sanon questioned why a woman’s respect for culture continues to be judged by what she wears.

“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have,” she said.

Sanon added that she and her sister pray for each other’s “health, happiness & long life”, extending the same wishes to their dogs, whom she described as family.

She also questioned the continued scrutiny of women’s clothing, saying, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear??”

The actor further wrote, “Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

Also Read: 'Culture and traditions not in neckline': Kriti Sanon claps back at Kangana Ranaut's 'bikini' jibe

Kangana Ranaut questions Kriti’s Raksha Bandhan styling

Earlier, Kangana Ranaut had criticised the advertisement in an Instagram Story.

While acknowledging the variety of clothing available to modern women, Ranaut questioned why Sanon had been styled in the particular outfit for a Raksha Bandhan campaign.

“From cocktail dresses to lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?” she wrote.

Calling the advertisement “intentionally creepy”, Ranaut also questioned the absence of more traditional Raksha Bandhan elements.

Also Read: ‘Why’d you tie a Rakhi in bikini?’ Kangana Ranaut reacts to Kriti’s controversial Raksha Bandhan ad

The campaign subsequently brought a wider debate online over women’s clothing, cultural traditions and whether an outfit should determine how a woman’s connection to a festival is perceived.