Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has come to the defense of actress Kriti Sanon following criticism and online trolling over her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement. In an Instagram post, Gandhi stated that a woman's choice of clothing and lifestyle should not be policed online. The controversy erupted after the advertisement featured Sanon in an ivory bralette-and-skirt ensemble with a cape while tying a rakhi. The debate expanded to include women's clothing, cultural traditions, and personal choice. Actor Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP, also weighed in, criticizing Sanon's look in the advertisement. In response, Sanon questioned why a woman's respect for her culture is judged by her clothes and emphasized that culture and traditions are not determined by necklines. The advertisement, which promotes a bond of protection between siblings and pets, has drawn criticism from some social media users who find Sanon's outfit inappropriate for a traditional festival, while others object to the depiction of tying a rakhi on a dog. Gandhi's intervention added a political dimension to the controversy, emphasizing women's freedom of choice. Published by Sonali Verma on August 25, 2026 at 20:10 IST.