“My name is Smriti Irani. I challenge you to ask me my caste,” the Education Minister said, rubbishing allegations that Rohith was persecuted because he was a Dalit.
In a 50-minute speech that saw her furious, sarcastic and choked up in parts, Ms Irani also laboured the point that she had been targeted by the Congress because of her work in Amethi, Rahul Gandhi’s constituency.
“Have you ever seen Rahul Gandhi go to one spot twice? Never. But in this, he saw political opportunity,” said the minister.
“Our children are not vote-banks,” she thundered.
The Congress and other parties have alleged that Rohith was punished by the university because of pressure from Smriti Irani and another minister, Bandaru Dattatreya, who had asked for action against those who had attacked the ABVP activist.
Smriti Irani refuted the allegation that she had forced the university to act against Rohith with multiple letters after Bandaru Dattatreya wrote to her.
The minister alleged that Rohith was used for politics by parties like the Congress and the ruling TRS of Telangana. Action was taken against the student by “those who were appointed by the UPA”, she said, referring to the university administration. She also alleged that no attempt was made to revive the student.
Smriti Irani targeted Rahul Gandhi for supporting the students and said: “Even Indira Gandhi lost power but her sons didn’t support anti-India slogans.”
