Mumbai: News18 India recently aired a super exclusive interview with Smriti Zubin Irani, the union minister for women and child development. The highly-anticipated interview, conducted by renowned anchor Aman Chopra, touched upon several critical topics, including the longstanding demand for women’s reservation, political strategies, and the role of the Congress party in shaping the discourse.
In a candid conversation, Smriti Irani highlighted the historical significance of the demand for women’s reservation, emphasizing that it dates back to the time of the Constitution’s formation. She pointed out that despite the demand persisting for 75 years, the government successfully took historic steps within 72 hours to address this issue.
Addressing the Congress party’s role in women’s reservation, Smriti Irani stated that their policy was clear, but questioned why, during the UPA era when they had a full majority, they failed to pass the bill and allowed it to lapse. She also noted that Sonia Gandhi was absent from the floor during the voting and introduction of the bill.
Furthermore, Smriti Irani disputed the Congress party’s attempt to credit Rajiv Gandhi for the women’s reservation bill, calling it a false claim. She pointed out that P.V. Narasimha Rao ensured women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj, but the Congress party did not acknowledge his contribution.
Smriti Irani also criticised the Congress party for its derogatory comments about women and their lack of support for the bill. She highlighted the insensitive remarks made by some of their allies and questioned their commitment to women’s empowerment.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements about the bill, Smriti Irani clarified that the Constitution, in Article 82, clearly outlines the process of providing reserved seats, including census, delimitation, and then implementation. She criticised Rahul Gandhi’s oversimplification of complex issues and urged him to understand the intricacies involved.
Smriti Irani also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s newfound focus on OBCs, reminding the public of his past statements about the prime minister’s caste. She pointed out that the Modi government has been continuously targeted for nine years, even when the prime minister’s mother was alive. She highlighted the significant representation of OBCs in the BJP and questioned whether the Congress party had ever genuinely promoted OBC interests.
In the interview, Smriti Irani criticised the Gandhi family for their remote control approach to the economy and their habit of visiting religious places before elections. She accused them of repeatedly insulting religious sentiments for electoral gains.
In conclusion, Smriti Irani emphasised that the Congress party’s approach to issues like women’s reservation and religion has been divisive and opportunistic. She called for a more informed and responsible discourse in Indian politics.
