In a spirited defense of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP leader and former minister Smriti Irani declared that Parliament treats all women lawmakers with absolute equality. Speaking in Surat, she recounted her 10 years in the Lower House, where she witnessed Birla’s unwavering support for female MPs from diverse backgrounds to express their views freely and engage deeply in policy debates.
‘Women have never been overlooked; equal rights and respect are the norm,’ Irani affirmed, sharing instances from her tenure. Birla’s tenure has notably boosted women’s active involvement, aligning with the Modi government’s empowerment initiatives.
Irani underscored the Speaker’s role in upholding House dignity, particularly during tense moments like the Prime Minister’s budget gratitude address, which opposition protests marred. Birla navigated these challenges with poise and neutrality.
She hailed the latest Union Budget as a masterstroke for the underprivileged, prepared with profound insight by the PM and his team. Yet, opposition parties continue to oppose it vehemently. At a vibrant Surat conclave with industry stalwarts from textiles, finance, jewelry, and small businesses, the budget received unanimous praise alongside tributes to PM Modi.
True endorsement comes from the grassroots, Irani argued, slamming the opposition’s unproductive stance that dooms them to opposition benches indefinitely.