Patna, Aug. 27: BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and television actress Smriti Irani refused to be drawn into the differences between Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and his Gujarat counterpart Narendra Modi but praised the development work being done by both.
Irani, who is also the president of BJP women’s cell, was in town to inaugurate a three-day training camp of the state BJP women’s cell. The programme was organised at Maharana Pratap Bhavan in the state capital.
On the differences between the Gujarat chief minister and Nitish, Irani said: “Narendrabhai Modi is always concerned about his state and there has been a lot of development in Gujarat. He is a great leader and has been doing a lot of good work in the state. I do not want to speak any more on the subject. However, I must admit that Bihar is doing very well under the NDA regime.”
She said: “Bihar is developing in all the respects. Before Nitish came to power, Bihar was lagging behind. A lot of good work has been done in the past few years in Bihar. Nitish has brought about a huge difference to the state as compared to the previous regime.”
Praising the development in the state, she said: “Each time I come to this state I find a positive change here. indeed, Bihar is growing very fast.”
Citing examples of Nitish’s decision to implement 50 per cent reservation for women at the panchayat-level, Irani said: “The decision is praiseworthy, which has boosted the morale of women even at the panchayat levels.”
Talking about the Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana, the BJP Rajya Sabha MP said: “This idea has become a hit in the state and the results are there to be seen. Girls are now coming out from the houses to acquire education, something that has changed the atmosphere in the state. It is a very serious step in the field of girl education. Such kinds of schemes always help any state.
Asked about using her television fame to achieve her political goals, Irani said: “I have never used my television fame to achieve any political goals and have always remained close to people. They respect me not because I played the role of Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, they respect me because I have worked for their cause.”
BJP women’s cell president pointed out that she considers herself to be the daughter of the country. “Today, I consider myself to be the daughter of India and therefore I always try to live up to the expectations of the people of the country,” Irani added.
