Smriti Irani Campaigns in Patna, Urges Support for BJP Candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad

Patna: Union Minister Smriti Irani visited Patna on Friday ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha voting. Upon arrival, she proceeded directly from Patna Airport to Takht Shri Harmandir Patna Sahib Gurdwara, where she paid her respects and sought blessings.

Following her visit to the Gurdwara, Irani addressed a Mahila Jan Samvad at Arora House in Hajiganj, Patna City, highlighting the achievements of the Central Government. She later spoke at an election rally in Kankarbagh within the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, rallying support for BJP candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad, who was notably absent from the event.

Irani called on voters to support Prasad by pressing the lotus symbol on June 1, emphasizing his role as Ram Lalla’s lawyer and urging constituents to send him to Parliament.

In her speech, Irani posed a rhetorical question to the audience about the actions of Ram devotees before and after reaching Lanka, drawing an analogy to the current political climate. “I appeal to all citizens to become the Hanuman of this democracy and cast your votes to defeat Congress and its allies. On June 1, go to the polling booths and press the lotus button to form a government of patriots,” she urged.

Addressing the issue of COVID-19 vaccines, Irani highlighted the Modi government’s provision of free vaccinations, contrasting it with the high cost had the vaccines been sold commercially. “Political leaders advised against taking Modi’s vaccine, but Modi provided it for free to 140 crore Indians. That’s why I’m here to ask you to inject defeat into the indie coalition by voting for the BJP,” she said.

Irani criticized political opponents for disrespecting Sanatan Dharma and urged voters to show their strength at the polls. “Sanatanis never provoke others, but if provoked, they will not back down. Why is your politics so weak?” she asked.

During the Mahila Jan Samvad at Arora House, Irani emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on women’s empowerment, citing initiatives like the construction of Ram temple, free vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and grassroots schemes for economic development, social upliftment, education, and health.

She highlighted specific programs such as the provision of Ujjwala gas cylinders, construction of toilets, and efforts to make three crore women Lakhpati Didi. Irani also mentioned the introduction of the Mahila Savings Certificate and the linkage of Asha sisters to the Ayushman scheme for women’s health. She noted that free vaccinations for cervical cancer were being provided, reflecting Modi’s commitment to building a developed nation.

Irani concluded by urging voters to support Ravi Shankar Prasad, the BJP candidate from the NDA alliance, in the upcoming election.