In a dramatic and controversial appeal, Rohini Khadse, the state women’s wing president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Socialist), has called on President Droupadi Murmu to grant women the legal right to commit one act of murder in response to extreme threats or abuses.

The radical demand comes as concerns over women’s safety continue to mount across India. Khadse, daughter of veteran Jalgaon politician Eknath Khadse, lambasted the government’s inaction on crimes against women, stating, “We aim to eliminate the oppressive mentality and the rapist tendency through stringent measures. Given the government’s inaction, we feel to request such drastic powers.”

She pointed to stalled legislative reforms like the Shakti Act, proposed by the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, as evidence of systemic failure in tackling gender-based violence.

In an emotionally charged letter to the President, Khadse invoked historical warrior queens like Maharani Tararani and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, who took up arms to defend their people. “Just as these heroic figures stood up for their people in times of danger, women today are facing a different [kind of threat],” she wrote.

Slamming the victim-blaming culture that often shields perpetrators, she questioned why society remains indifferent even when minors are victimized.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto backed Khadse’s demand, calling it an expression of deep-seated frustration. -“The government needs to understand the desperation and frustration leading women like Rohini Khadse to make such demands. Women are looking for real change and a peaceful environment, and this appeal is a dire expression of the urgent need for action,” he said.

However, Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil took a swipe at Khadse’s proposal, asking her to specify whom she intended to kill.

In contrast, Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande interpreted Khadse’s appeal as a metaphorical call to action against toxic mindsets. “She is probably talking about killing certain tendencies in some people. This feeling must be stemming from ‘the recent incidents,’” Kayande said.