Delhi Election 2015: JNU speech on empowering women sparks debate

NEW DELHI: A two-minute speech on women empowerment by Union HRD minister Smriti Irani at JNU led to a lot of debate as well as criticism on Monday. Irani said Kiran Bedi’s CM candidature was an example of how serious BJP was about promotion of women.
“Bedi is an example of how our system helps an educated woman realize her potential. This is what honest, steadfast working women can achieve and our system will help them realize their dreams,” Irani said.
Monday’s speech wasn’t the first time in the recent past that a senior BJP leader has gone to JNU and campaigned during elections. Even Harsh Vardhan, who was later appointed Union health minister, also visited the varsity just before the general election.
Students said the student wing of BJP had been visiting the varsity from the past one week to organize the event. “I have come from Delhi University to help organize the event and we have been raising awareness about the BJP candidate from Mehrauli, Sarita Chaudhary, as well as the central government’s progress,” said Kailash, a student and BJP youth volunteer.
Chaudhary, a three-time BJP councillor and mayor, is now contesting from Mehrauli. She sympathized with JNU students about lack of facilitates and hostels. “If you vote for me, Smriti Irani and I will take care of all your problems,” she said.
Meanwhile, members of SFI protested outside the school grounds against ‘saffronization’ of education and ‘reduction of education budget’.