Sikh children were brutally killed in 1984: Smriti Irani

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.

"Sikh children were brutally killed in 1984. Women were raped in Trilokpuri, a woman's husband was murdered, and her daughter was raped in Sultanpuri," Irani asserted, her voice unwavering. She went on to describe the heinous gang-rape of a 45-year-old Sikh woman whose son was also burned alive. Drawing a sharp contrast, she criticized the same individuals for now claiming to speak for India.

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.

Irani also took aim at Rahul Gandhi's "Bharat Jodo Yatra," drawing parallels with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives following the revocation of Article 370. She attributed the nation's recent achievements to this pivotal decision.

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.