Smriti Irani tries to corner opposition over nationalist controversy

NEW DELHI: The BJP and Congress sparred in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday over who is more nationalist during a debate on the JNU controversy and the Rohith Vemula suicide issue. Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia questioned the conduct of the NDA over the JNU issue.

He said the Delhi police was a “silent spectator” when JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and journalists were beaten up by lawyers “affiliated” to BJP. On Vemula issue, he charged HRD minister Smriti Irani and labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya with “undue interference” in the matter that led to his suicide.

Under intense attack, Irani made a forceful statement in Lok Sabha, saying Kumar and some other students had been found indulging in anti-national activities by the JNU authorities themselves. She made an emotional pitch with regard to the suicide by Vemula, insisting her ministry had no role in his death and the deceased himself had said in his suicide note that nobody should be held responsible for his action.

A combative Irani said she was being targeted by the Congress for contesting against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. Irani’s speech was tweeted by PM Modi with the message: “Satyamev Jayate. Do hear this speech by Smriti Irani.” for his action.