New Delhi [India], August 22 (ANI): BJP National General Secretary Smriti Irani criticised Lok Sabha leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi over his protest outside the Parliament Street Police Station, alleging that the Congress leader used the issue to make political gains despite an investigation already being underway.
Gandhi had staged a sit-in on Friday alongside Sahil Lochab, who alleged that he sustained injuries during a July 20 student protest in Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi. Gandhi demanded registration of an FIR in the matter. The protest continued for several hours before Delhi Police registered an FIR based on Lochab's complaint.
Reacting to the protest on Friday, Irani argued investigation into the matter had already begun before the Congress leader arrived at the police station.
"When there is a demand for justice, or someone pursues it, the reason behind it is that no investigation is going on. Whereas the investigation was going on for several days before Rahul Gandhi reached the police station," Irani said.
She further contended that an agency's investigation itself indicates that cognisance had been taken of the complaint, asserting that "without taking cognisance, no investigation takes place.
Irani added, "Just the agency's investigation is in itself an indication that cognisance has been taken of the complaint because without taking cognisance, no investigation takes place."
Irani accused Gandhi of using the episode for political advantage, saying that he "went ahead and made political gains for himself" even while the incident was being investigated.
"So, when the entire incident was being investigated, Rahul Gandhi went ahead and made political gains for himself," said Irani.
She further questions Gandhi's approach towards courts, Parliament and law-enforcement agencies.
"When has Rahul Gandhi ever considered himself subject to the authority of the courts?" Irani said, alleging that the Gandhi family considers itself above Parliament, the Supreme Court and the laws of the land.
"So, what standing does a mere police station have in their eyes?" she asked, while criticising Gandhi for staging a sit-in demanding an FIR.
Irani also referred to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's outreach to Gandhi, saying the Leader of the Opposition had repeatedly been invited to discuss the matter and raise his questions.
"The Union Home Minister repeatedly urged the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, to come and discuss the issue, to question him, stating his willingness to answer every single query," she said.
"Did Rahul Gandhi ever ask for an investigation into who assaulted the paramilitary and police forces?" Irani asked.
She also questioned whether Gandhi had demanded inquiries into allegations of disrespect towards the Army and other security personnel.
She said, "Did Rahul Gandhi ever ask for an investigation into who assaulted the paramilitary and police forces?... Did Rahul Gandhi demand an inquiry against those who insulted the Army? Whom did the Congress party make bow?"
She has also expressed gratitude to the party leadership after being appointed as a National General Secretary of the BJP, describing the elevation as a significant moment in her organisational journey.
" I am grateful that my organisation has reposed this trust in me, and this is a golden moment for me in my organisational journey over the years," Irani said.
BJP announced a sweeping organisational overhaul on August 17, introducing a 65-member national team under party president Nitin Nabin. The recast brings back prominent figures like Smriti Irani as National General Secretary and Ram Madhav as National Vice President, while introducing major leadership changes across key wings. (ANI)
"Investigation was already underway": Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over Parliament Street protest
