Smriti Irani's retort to Priyanka Gandhi: I have never lived off my family name

NEW DELHI: Attacking Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her direct attacks, BJP candidate from Amethi, Smriti Irani on Tuesday said, "For somebody who has been an arm-chair behind the scenes campaigner, to find ways and means of defining me. I want to categorically say that whatever I am, I have made a space for myself in Indian politics and media out of my own perseverance and hard work. I have never lived off my family name."

In an interview to Times Now, Smriti Irani said, "It is interesting that Mrs Vadra seeks to attack me, especially given that people Amethi today are crying out for answers related to issues of development. This is a constituency which will shock you with the lack of basic facilities for health and education."

"This is a constituency which has electricity for only six hours, that too when elections are round the corner, otherwise people have to make do with electricity for only four hours a day," Irani slammed.


"Mrs Vadra chooses to attack many a politicians in the BJP and talks of big-heartedness. My question is, is keeping people away from electricity, facilities like good doctors and hospitals, good schools, is that a symbol of big-heartedness?" she asked. Irani went on to say, "Her (Priyanka's personal attacks on me show the desperation of Mrs Vadra. It exposes the hollowness of the Congress campaign."

Sharpening her attacks on Smriti Irani, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had earlier called the BJP leader an 'armchair politician'. She also accused Smriti Irani of not being in touch with ground reality.

"Some opposition leaders come here and spread misinformation. They are not in touch with ground reality," Priyanka said. Priyanka Gandhi made the remarks while addressing a gathering in Amethi, the constituency from which her brother, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is contesting.

In a quick retort to Priyanka's jibes, Smriti Irani tweeted, "From Nautanki to Arm Chaired Politician, seems Mrs Vadra has a problem defining me. Whatever I am have never lived off my family name." Smriti Irani also said, "Through my hard work, I have made a place for myself in this country and society. I have never used my father and family's name to deceive people."

Priyanka also slammed BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for calling Rahul Gandhi a 'shehzada'. "An opposition leader makes fun of Rahul ji, calls him names, shehzada. He (Modi) aspires to be PM. At least respect the post you are fighting for," Priyanka said.