The political battle lines are sharply drawn in West Bengal as former Union Minister Smriti Irani launches a scathing critique of the ruling TMC, pledging Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implementation if BJP seizes power. Drawing from the party’s election manifesto, Irani assured that every commitment would materialize, dispelling any doubts on the UCC front.
In an IANS interview, she stated unequivocally, ‘Bengal will see UCC enforced the moment our government is sworn in.’ This pledge underscores BJP’s strategy to appeal to voters disillusioned with current administration.
Irani slammed the deteriorating law and order situation, citing unprecedented incidents like the hostage-taking of judicial officials. ‘Name one other state in the last ten years where judges were held captive,’ she challenged, extending her indictment to the alleged disrespect shown to the President.
On the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, she dismissed TMC’s narrative, insisting it was designed for grassroots Indian women aspiring for legislative representation. ‘It’s not about TMC; it’s about empowering the common woman. Parliament prioritizes national interests over party agendas,’ Irani remarked.
Addressing a press conference, she directly targeted Mamata Banerjee, branding TMC’s stance as a profound betrayal of women’s aspirations. Recalling PM Modi’s historic push to enact the bill in 2023 after years of advocacy, Irani highlighted his cross-party outreach.
‘PM Modi sought consensus, but opposition parties opposed women’s political empowerment,’ she said. Contrasting BJP’s vision of honoring women as leaders with TMC’s alleged obstructionism, Irani called on female voters to hold the ruling party accountable.
As rival camps trade barbs, Irani’s manifesto-centric promises position BJP as the harbinger of reforms in a state plagued by controversies. The electorate now faces a clear choice between continuity and change.
