‘Saw how 2 Congress leaders were fighting on stage’: Smriti Irani’s dig at Manish Tewari and Pawan Bansal

Irani told the crowd, “When they are fighting over to get photo clicked, what kind of development do you expect them to do for you… I would rather say they must be fighting as to who will get the virasat.” She added, “Photo kheenchne ki hoad June 4 ko poori ho jayegi inki…(The urge to get photos clicked will be over on June 4).

Responding to Irani’s comments, Tewari told The Indian Express, “Rather than addressing substantive issues of Chandigarh, especially the question of women safety and gender justice, Mrs Irani has chosen to focus on a photograph with a misleading caption. It demonstrates the mental bankruptcy of the BJP, which is totally bereft of issues.”

Addressing the gathering, Irani spoke about various initiatives, including the MUDRA yojana, Ayushman Bharat and opening of bank accounts of the poor, taken by the Narendra Modi government in the past 10 years.

Irani said, “I have come not only to campaign but also to express my gratitude. In 2014 and 2019, the foundation of building a new India was laid by Modi, and it was because of you (people) who worked hard to make him the prime minister. PM Modi was always concerned about the poor and women, and got bank accounts opened for them. Today, for the first time, bank accounts of 23 crore women in the country have been opened after Modi took over as PM. In the Modi era, there are no hassles in opening the bank accounts. Women did not have to worry about keeping minimum balance, unlike in the past. Today, money from government schemes is coming directly into their bank accounts.”

She also said, “The Congress is contesting elections not for the development of the country but for the hunger for power.”

Irani said 80 crore people in the country are getting free ration.

“How many of you know here that 80 crore people have been getting free ration from the government since Covid?”

After many among the gathering raised their hands, Irani said, “Had there been the Congress government during that difficult time, would the Congress’ middlemen have allowed the distribution of free ration to the poor or sold them in the black market. I have come to appeal to you to visit the polling booths on June 1 and press the ‘lotus’ (BJP symbol) button and give the rejection injection to the Congress.”