Smriti Irani
Former Women and Child Development Minister · Ministry of Women and Child Development · BJP
42 articles found
Affidavit & Biography
Criminal Record Spotlight
Smriti Irani slams Rahul Gandhi for silence on JNU professor's sexual harassment dismissal
On Friday (October 9, 2026), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national secretary Smriti Irani accused Rahul Gandhi of remaining silent regarding the dismissal of Congress MP and JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. An internal complaints committee substantiated sexual harassment allegations against Akoijam. Irani questioned why Gandhi took no political action despite these findings or his recent altercation with a female police officer in Delhi.
10 candidates set to be elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh
Ten candidates are set to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh after Returning Officer Ajeet Verma confirmed only their nominations were valid on Wednesday. The BJP fielded eight candidates, including Dharampal Singh, Prakash Pal, Shruti Gangwar, Vidya Sagar Sonkar, Priyanka Rawat, Radhakant Ojha, Gopi Krishna Pandey, and Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan. The SP nominated Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani. Independent candidates Kante Sayana and Omkarnath Chaurasia were rejected.
The BJP announced eight candidates for the October 16 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar
The BJP announced eight candidates for the October 16 Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh: Dharam Pal Singh, Radhakant Ojha, Prakash Pal, Vidyasagar Sonkar, Gopi Krishna Pandey, Priyanka Singh Rawat, Ram Pratap Singh Chauhan, and Shruti Gangwar. The party excluded Smriti Irani, Harish Dwivedi, Kaushal Kishore, and Sanjeev Balyan because they lost Lok Sabha elections. These selections target social, regional, and caste combinations for Mission 2027.
Modi meets Haryana BJP MLAs at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg to discuss public welfare
Narendra Modi met Haryana BJP MLAs at his residence on 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The meeting included BJP President Nitin Nabin, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, and Smriti Irani. They discussed serving the public effectively and working for public welfare. The prime minister described the interaction as meaningful regarding several topics.
BJP Leader Smriti Irani Criticizes Congress for Targeting Election Commission
On September 29, 2026, Smriti Irani, a senior BJP leader, criticized the Congress for demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other actions against the Election Commission after failing to gain public support. She accused the Congress, established "to preserve the British Empire," of attempting to undermine India's electoral system and democracy. Ms. Irani questioned why the Congress wanted to retain deceased individuals' names in electoral rolls despite the Election Commission’s clarifications. Published September 29, 2026.
BJP likely to field Irani, Dwivedi in UP Rajya Sabha election on October 16
NDTV reported that the BJP is likely to field national general secretaries Smriti Irani and Harish Dwivedi in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh on October 16. Ten seats are up for grabs, with the BJP certain to win seven but aiming for eight. The SP, with 103 MLAs, may field three candidates including Ram Gopal Yadav, though it can secure only two seats. Both parties are considering multiple candidates from various communities to maximize their chances in the election and upcoming assembly polls.
BJP plans reshuffle: 12 minister swaps to boost youth, women before 2029 polls
NDTV reported on Tuesday that the BJP plans to reshuffle India's Union Council of Ministers, aiming for younger faces and new allies before the 2029 polls. With 12 vacancies out of a possible 81 members, ministers with new party roles or ending Rajya Sabha terms may be replaced. The changes will also consider workload distribution and performance, potentially increasing the number of younger ministers and women. Inductions are eyed from states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and potential new allies such as the DMK or NCP.
Rahul Gandhi urges women to fight patriarchy, draws BJP backlash at Pune event
At a Pune event, Rahul Gandhi urged women to fight patriarchy and embrace independence, criticizing the Manusmriti for restricting their roles. He highlighted violence and discrimination statistics against Indian women, drawing sharp reactions from the BJP. Gandhi's speech aimed to empower women by emphasizing their unique identities and importance to India’s future, while opposing the "Manusmriti mindset."
Gandhi challenged: Back women's reservation, sing Vande Mataram, Irani demands
On August 23, 2026, Smriti Irani, BJP general secretary, asked Rahul Gandhi to validate his support for women by backing the implementation of 33% reservation for women in legislatures and organizing a full rendition of Vande Mataram at Congress headquarters. Interacting with students on August 22, Mr. Gandhi criticized patriarchy and Manusmriti mindset, claiming 80% of women face harassment. Ms. Irani urged Mr. Gandhi to honor his words by supporting the bill passed for women's reservation and singing all verses of Vande Mataram, including those invoking Goddess Durga.
BJP Announces New National Team With Prominent Women Leaders
On August 17, Nitin Nadda announced the BJP's new national team featuring prominent women leaders. The photo-op with Prime Minister Narendra Modi included senior figures like Roop Kumari Choudhary, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, and Smriti Irani, who returned as national general secretary. Women occupy key roles such as national vice-presidents and secretaries, reflecting the party's emphasis on women’s leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
Modi meets BJP national executive members to strengthen party
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly appointed BJP national executive members led by BJP president Nitin Nabin, focusing on strengthening the party and deepening connections with people. Attendees included vice-presidents Ram Madhav and Vasundhra Raje, general secretaries Smriti Irani, Biplab Deb, and B L Santhosh, treasurer Piyush Goyal, and some outgoing office-bearers. This was their first meeting since August 17. BJP also announced a one-month 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign to mark PM Modi's 25 years in public office.
Gandhi siblings stage seven-hour sit-in, win FIR for injured protester
On Friday, Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with others from the Congress party, staged a seven-hour sit-in at Delhi's Parliament Street Police Station demanding an FIR be registered for Sahil Lochab, who suffered pellet-gun injuries during protests. While Rahul adopted an aggressive stance, Priyanka took a diplomatic approach, eventually leading to the FIR being filed around 7 pm. The Congress claimed victory in bolstering students' rights, while the BJP criticized their actions.
