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Smriti Irani
Former Women and Child Development Minister · Ministry of Women and Child Development · BJP
36 articles found
Affidavit & Biography
ConstituencyAmethi
State / RegionUttar Pradesh
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GOVERNANCE· 25 Aug
BJP plans reshuffle: 12 minister swaps to boost youth, women before 2029 polls
NDTV reported on Tuesday that the BJP plans to reshuffle India's Union Council of Ministers, aiming for younger faces and new allies before the 2029 polls. With 12 vacancies out of a possible 81 members, ministers with new party roles or ending Rajya Sabha terms may be replaced. The changes will also consider workload distribution and performance, potentially increasing the number of younger ministers and women. Inductions are eyed from states like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, and potential new allies such as the DMK or NCP.
GOVERNANCE· 24 Aug
Rahul Gandhi urges women to fight patriarchy, draws BJP backlash at Pune event
At a Pune event, Rahul Gandhi urged women to fight patriarchy and embrace independence, criticizing the Manusmriti for restricting their roles. He highlighted violence and discrimination statistics against Indian women, drawing sharp reactions from the BJP. Gandhi's speech aimed to empower women by emphasizing their unique identities and importance to India’s future, while opposing the "Manusmriti mindset."
GOVERNANCE· 23 Aug
Gandhi challenged: Back women's reservation, sing Vande Mataram, Irani demands
On August 23, 2026, Smriti Irani, BJP general secretary, asked Rahul Gandhi to validate his support for women by backing the implementation of 33% reservation for women in legislatures and organizing a full rendition of Vande Mataram at Congress headquarters. Interacting with students on August 22, Mr. Gandhi criticized patriarchy and Manusmriti mindset, claiming 80% of women face harassment. Ms. Irani urged Mr. Gandhi to honor his words by supporting the bill passed for women's reservation and singing all verses of Vande Mataram, including those invoking Goddess Durga.
GOVERNANCE· 23 Aug
BJP Announces New National Team With Prominent Women Leaders
On August 17, Nitin Nadda announced the BJP's new national team featuring prominent women leaders. The photo-op with Prime Minister Narendra Modi included senior figures like Roop Kumari Choudhary, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, and Smriti Irani, who returned as national general secretary. Women occupy key roles such as national vice-presidents and secretaries, reflecting the party's emphasis on women’s leadership ahead of upcoming elections.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Aug
Modi meets BJP national executive members to strengthen party
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly appointed BJP national executive members led by BJP president Nitin Nabin, focusing on strengthening the party and deepening connections with people. Attendees included vice-presidents Ram Madhav and Vasundhra Raje, general secretaries Smriti Irani, Biplab Deb, and B L Santhosh, treasurer Piyush Goyal, and some outgoing office-bearers. This was their first meeting since August 17. BJP also announced a one-month 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign to mark PM Modi's 25 years in public office.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Aug
Gandhi siblings stage seven-hour sit-in, win FIR for injured protester
On Friday, Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with others from the Congress party, staged a seven-hour sit-in at Delhi's Parliament Street Police Station demanding an FIR be registered for Sahil Lochab, who suffered pellet-gun injuries during protests. While Rahul adopted an aggressive stance, Priyanka took a diplomatic approach, eventually leading to the FIR being filed around 7 pm. The Congress claimed victory in bolstering students' rights, while the BJP criticized their actions.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Aug
BJP National President Nitin Nabin Meets 65 Team for Poll Strategy
On August 22, 2026, Nitin Nabin, BJP national president, held the first meeting with newly appointed national office-bearers to discuss poll strategy and grassroots outreach for upcoming State Assembly elections. The team of 65 includes 13 national vice presidents like Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Ram Madhav, eight general secretaries including Smriti Irani, and six minority leaders. Piyush Goyal was named treasurer, while Amit Malviya was removed from the IT department leadership role. More meetings with State officials are scheduled for later that day.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Aug
Gandhi mocked at police station, Irani accuses of exploiting exam leak for politics
In an interview with NDTV, Smriti Irani accused Rahul Gandhi of using exam paper leak protests for political posturing and disrespecting paramilitary forces. She criticized him for laughing at a police station during serious protests in July and urged the public to trust ongoing investigations instead of maligning security personnel. Irani also highlighted Gandhi's past criticisms of armed forces, alleging he exploits such issues for political gain while disregarding official probes.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Aug
Gandhi Tossed Toffees, Laughed at Dharna, Irani Slams 'Political Theatre'
Smriti Irani, BJP General Secretary, questioned Rahul Gandhi's commitment to demanding an FIR for alleged pellet gun use during a July 20 youth protest march towards Parliament. She highlighted videos showing Gandhi laughing and tossing toffees at a dharna in New Delhi, calling it "political theatre." Investigations by police and paramilitary forces are ongoing. Irani asserted citizens should trust these investigations. This exchange highlights the political tension surrounding the protests and allegations of misuse of force.
GOVERNANCE· 21 Aug
Bihar Sugar Prices Rise to Over Rs 65 per kg
Bihar sugar prices rose to over Rs 65 per kg from Rs 48-50, Minister Shravan Kumar linked the increase to reduced consumption due to diabetes. Pappu Yadav, an independent MP, criticized Kumar's justification as bizarre. Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Sinha, another minister, defended the price hike saying he feels happy when farmers' produce prices rise.
GOVERNANCE· 18 Aug
BJP replaces 11-year IT chief Amit Malviya with Deepak Mhaskey
On Monday, Amit Malviya was replaced as BJP IT and social media chief by Deepak Mhaskey in a reshuffle; Malviya had served 11 years leading the BJP’s IT cell and also co-chaired West Bengal. Sources say he requested relief post-2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, though political reasons including caste dynamics prevented his accommodation in another role.
GOVERNANCE· 18 Aug
BJP reshuffles leaders for Punjab, UP elections: Tawde, Patel co-in-charge Uttar Pradesh
On Tuesday, BJP president Nitin Nabin appointed Vinod Tawde and Jagdish Patel as co-in-charge of Uttar Pradesh party affairs, Satish Poonia as Punjab in-charge, and Tarun Chugh to lead Gujarat. These appointments are effective immediately; the current Prabhari system will continue until new state in-charges are appointed. The changes come ahead of upcoming assembly elections scheduled for early next year in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, with Gujarat polls set for later 2027.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP reshuffles, Irani leads push to regain ground after losing 29 UP seats
After losing 29 seats in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh (UP) election, BJP reshuffles its leadership with Smriti Irani and Sunil Bansal leading efforts to regain ground ahead of upcoming elections. The revamp includes a focus on youth, women, and caste-based outreach, aiming to counter losses in key constituencies like Ayodhya.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
On Monday, Nitin Nabin announced a revamped BJP team with eight leaders
On Monday, Nitin Nabin announced a revamped BJP team with eight leaders from Uttar Pradesh, the most from any state. The appointments include Smriti Irani as National General Secretary and two national vice presidents—Rekha Verma and Prof Tariq Mansoor—among others, aiming to strengthen the party ahead of UP polls next year.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP taps Ram Madhav as national vice president after six-year break, bolstering RSS ties
The BJP appointed Ram Madhav as national vice president after a six-year absence, marking his return to the core team. Sunil Bansal, an RSS pracharak and key in BJP election campaigns, was retained as national general secretary, alongside BL Santhosh, who continues with two RSS pracharaks as deputies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a role in Madhav's new assignment. This move strengthens the BJP’s leadership with figures having long RSS backgrounds.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
On August 17, Nitin Nabin, the BJP national president, announced
On August 17, Nitin Nabin, the BJP national president, announced a new team including Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav, Piyush Goyal, and Baijayant Jay Panda. The appointments named 13 national vice presidents, 16 national secretaries, and key roles for figures like BL Santhosh and Smriti Irani in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing organizational strength across states.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP names 13 national vice presidents, six women, for elections
On August 17, BJP announced new office-bearers to assist chief Nitin Nabin in managing the party and upcoming elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team for their blend of experience, energy, and grassroots connection. Smriti Irani returned as national general secretary, while Ram Madhav was named BJP vice president. The appointments include 13 national vice presidents, six of whom are women, and aim to provide representation from marginalized communities and various regions.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP announces new national structure under Nitin Nabin
The BJP announced a new national structure under president Nitin Nabin, removing Amit Malviya and Tejasvi Surya from the IT Cell chief and youth wing president roles. Deepak Mhaskey leads IT and social media, while Hemang Joshi heads the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Smriti Irani is appointed as a national general secretary, and Biplab Kumar Deb returns to the national organisational structure. The changes aim to strengthen party organisation for upcoming elections.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP unveils 13 vice-presidents, 8 new secretaries in major leadership shake-up
On August 17, 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under its chief Nitin Nabin announced a new team with 13 vice-presidents including Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Ram Madhav. Eight new national general secretaries were also named, alongside retaining B.L. Santhosh as national general secretary (organisation). Piyush Goyal was appointed treasurer, while former AAP leader Sandeep Pathak became one of 16 national secretaries.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
The BJP today announced a new team under its national chief Nitin
The BJP today announced a new team under its national chief Nitin Nabin, focusing on regional representation ahead of state elections. Former Union minister Smriti Irani returns as one of the national general secretaries, while six women are appointed as vice presidents and four as secretaries. Key appointments include Sandeep Pathak as national secretary and Sambit Patra for the northeast region. The team aims to strengthen presence in southern and eastern states with leaders from Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, and the northeast taking prominent roles. This move highlights a push towards more women and minority representation within the party.
GOVERNANCE· 17 Aug
BJP appoints 13 vice presidents, 8 general secretaries months before key state elections
Months ahead of crucial assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and other states, Nitin Nabin, BJP National President, announced office-bearers including eight national general secretaries like Smriti Irani and 13 national vice presidents such as Vasundhara Raje. The appointments aim to balance young leaders with veterans and provide regional representation. Dr Swadesh Singh and cancer specialist Madhuchandra Kar are among the new appointees, alongside academics and politicians from diverse regions.
GOVERNANCE· 12 Aug
Modi greets Rahul, shakes Priyanka's hand at MP Supriya Sule's daughter's reception
At a reception for MP Supriya Sule's daughter in Delhi on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Rahul Gandhi, who accepted his handshake. Modi then exchanged pleasantries with Priyanka Gandhi, while Mallikarjun Kharge joked about Modi changing, leading to light-hearted exchanges and low-fives between them. The event also saw Union ministers like Amit Shah and Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi in attendance, sharing tables and engaging in conversations amidst the celebration for newlyweds Revati Sule and Sarang Lakhani.
GOVERNANCE· 11 Aug
At Supriya Sule's daughter Revati Sule's wedding reception in Delhi on Monday
At Supriya Sule's daughter Revati Sule's wedding reception in Delhi on Monday, leaders from rival political factions including Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Narendra Modi gathered. The event featured interactions between opposing party members like Sonia Gandhi and Sharad Pawar, highlighting a rare moment of unity.
GENERAL· 29 Jul
Karishma Tanna and Varun Bangera Welcome "Greatest Blessing," Their First Baby Boy
Actor Karishma Tanna and her husband Varun Bangera, who married in 2022, welcomed their first baby boy on July 29, 2026. They shared the news on social media, calling him "our greatest blessing." Celebrities like Neha Shupia and Smriti Irani congratulated them. Karishma had announced her pregnancy in April.
EDUCATION· 26 Jul
Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns as Education Minister Amid Controversy
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister amid criticism over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. Pralhad Joshi has taken on the additional charge of the Ministry, becoming the new Union Education Minister. Since 2014, five leaders have handled the portfolio under the BJP-led government: Smriti Irani, Prakash Javadekar, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank', Dharmendra Pradhan, and now Pralhad Joshi.
GOVERNANCE· 25 Jul
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· A minister resigning due to public pressure over an exam leak is significant and concerning.
NEET Leak Backlash: Pradhan Resigns, Only Second Minister Since 2014
On July 25, Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation to Narendra Modi, two months after the NEET-UG exam leak. Protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party and opposition parties prompted this action; Pradhan is only the second minister to resign due to protests since 2014. Previously, M J Akbar resigned in 2018 amid #MeToo allegations. This rare resignation highlights growing public pressure on ministers.
EDUCATION· 25 Jul
Education Minister Resigns Amid CJP Protests Over NEET-UG Paper Leaks
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Saturday due to protests over exam paper leaks, including NEET-UG. Protests began in Delhi on June 6 and spread to other cities. His resignation was demanded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar and required by opposition parties for debating a new law against leaks in Parliament. Previous protests include those against Smriti Irani over the Rohit Vemula incident, Kapil Sibal regarding FYUP reforms, and Murli Manohar Joshi due to alleged "saffronisation" of education textbooks.
GENERAL· 25 Jul
Veteran actor Apara Mehta, who played Savita Virani in the popular TV
Veteran actor Apara Mehta, who played Savita Virani in the popular TV show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, recalled an incident where fans burned her with a cigarette and tried to pull off her diamond ring during a Gujarati play performance in Kolkata. The overwhelming fan frenzy made the situation dangerous, leading organizers to form a protective circle around her. This experience highlighted the intense popularity of the show at its peak.
GOVERNANCE· 25 Jul
Four Education Ministers in 12 years as NDA grapples with policy turmoil
Over its 12-year tenure, the NDA government had four Education Ministers: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25 after five years due to exam paper leaks; Smriti Irani served two years (2014-2016), overseeing DU’s FYUP rollback and NEP drafting; Prakash Javadekar served two years and ten months, centralizing exams through the NTA; Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ served around two years until July 2021 amid slow NEP implementation and health issues.
GOVERNANCE· 22 Jul
⚑ ALERT: POWER ABUSE· The article highlights a pattern of Modi retaining controversial ministers despite public outcry and allegations of wrongdoing.
Protesters demand Education Minister Pradhan's resignation over exam leaks
Thousands of protesters in New Delhi have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam leaks, joining opposition parties. This mirrors a pattern under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has kept controversial ministers like Mahesh Sharma, accused in a lynching cover-up, and Smriti Irani, linked to student deaths, in office despite public outcry.
GOVERNANCE· 10 Jun
Meenakshi Natarajan Row And Congress' Article 324 Demand. What It Is
Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination was rejected for nondisclosure of a pending court case. The party is urging the Election Commission (EC) to use its powers under Article 324 to overturn the Returning Officer's decision, arguing that the alleged omission does not warrant disqualification. The EC has the power to oversee elections and ensure free and fair processes, but experts question whether this provision can override specific legal provisions or be used as a substitute for existing remedies like Election Petitions. The EC is currently examining the Congress' representation and seeking the Returning Officer's report before making a decision.
GOVERNANCE· 20 Apr
West Bengal election: Why politicians are campaigning with fish in hand
In the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, Indian politicians are using fish as a political symbol to appeal to voters. The BJP is attempting to counter accusations of interfering with Bengali culture by highlighting their own connection to fish consumption and local production. The ruling Trinamool Congress accuses the BJP of trying to restrict fish consumption, while the BJP claims that the Trinamool Congress has failed to provide Bengal with enough fish. Both parties are using fish as a way to appeal to voters' cultural identities and anxieties about food security.
GOVERNANCE· 3 Apr
Kerala Assembly elections: NDA heavyweights set for campaign blitz across State
Union Ministers and national leaders are leading a series of high-profile roadshows and public rallies across Kerala for BJP-led NDA candidates. Smriti Irani, Tejasvi Surya, and other senior party figures are participating in the campaign blitz, focusing on key constituencies. J.P. Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and Durga Das Uikey are also actively involved in supporting local candidates. The campaign aims to bolster support for the alliance's regional aspirations.
GOVERNANCE· 1 Mar
BJP begins campaign for Bengal Assembly elections with Parivartan Yatras
BJP leaders launched four Parivartan Yatras across West Bengal on Sunday, March 1, 2026, promising "new Bengal" for the people. The yatras, led by Nitin Nabin, Samik Bhattacharya, J.P. Nadda, and others, aimed to address issues of neglect in north Bengal and highlight alleged failures of the Trinamool Congress government. The yatras are part of a larger campaign with a goal of removing the current government and replacing it with a BJP-led administration.
WORLD· 26 Feb
Who is really safe in India and Israel? | Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu shared a warm embrace upon their meeting in Israel, signifying the deepening partnership between the two nations. While both leaders claim to offer sanctuary for their respective religious groups, the article highlights persistent hierarchies and exclusion within both countries. The Israeli prime minister's wife wore saffron, a symbol of Hindutva, while the article points out that racial discrimination against Mizrahi Jews and Ethiopian Jews exists in Israel and caste-based discrimination is prevalent in India. These realities demonstrate that neither country guarantees safety for all its citizens.
JUSTICE· 25 Dec
Allahabad HC quashes forgery case against shooter Vartika Singh
The Allahabad High Court ruled to dismiss criminal proceedings against international shooter Vartika Singh, who was accused of preparing forged documents at the behest of a Union Cabinet Minister. The court found no evidence of cheating against Ms. Singh and noted that the documents were provided for investigation but no action was taken to identify the document preparer. The case stemmed from an incident in 2020 where Rajneesh Singh, claiming proximity to then-Union Minister Smriti Irani, allegedly promised Ms. Singh a position on the National Commission for Women and demanded ₹25 lakh after she refused payment.
