New Delhi: The Indian Parliament witnessed a dramatic and heated exchange as Union Minister Smriti Irani responded to Rahul Gandhi’s speech on the no-confidence motion. In a charged session, Irani accused Congress of promoting a divisive narrative and condemned their alleged lack of sensitivity towards crucial national issues. Irani opened her counter by highlighting Rahul Gandhi’s mention of the ‘killing of Mother India,’ asserting that such language and imagery were unprecedented in the history of the Parliament. She accused Congress members of “setting the table” on this statement.
Asserting the unity and integrity of the nation, Irani firmly stated, “Manipur is and will always remain an integral part of India.” She went on to criticize Congress for purportedly applauding during discussions about Rahul gandhi’s statement of “murder of Mother India.” Irani took the opportunity to address the 1984 Sikh genocide and the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, presenting a litany of disturbing incidents to underscore her point.
Irani highlighted the issue of a recent gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Directly addressing Congress MPs, Irani questioned their apparent lack of empathy and action in response to such horrific incidents.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s speech, Irani remarked, “You are not India because India is not corrupt. India believes in merit, not dynasticism.” She invoked historical movements, urging the opposition to embrace values aligned with the nation’s progress.
The Union Minister’s impassioned speech concluded by underscoring the opposition’s alleged silence and inaction in the face of atrocities. She displayed a picture of Girija Tikku, a rape survivor from the 90s, and accused Congress of stifling the voices of Kashmiri Pandits.