No-confidence motion: Manipur is not divided, Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's remarks in Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: Speaking immediately after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's speech on the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister Smriti Irani said that "Manipur is an integral part of India. It's not divided and can't be divided."

She was responding to Rahul Gandhi's charge that BJP's politics has divided Manipur into two parts.

"Manipur doesn't exist anymore as the government has divided it into two parts. The government's politics has murdered Bharat Mata in Manipur," Rahul Gandhi said in his speech in the Lok Sabha.

Smriti Irani condemned Congress MPs for clapping during Rahul Gandhi's "Bharat Mata murdered in Manipur" speech in lower house.

"I condemn the aggressive behaviour seen today (referring to Rahul Gandhi's speech in the House). For the first time in the history of nation, someone spoke about the murder of 'Bharat Maa' and Congress kept on clapping," Irani said.

Irani also took a jibe at opposition alliance for calling itself INDIA. "You are not India, for India is not corrupt. India believes in merit not in dynasty and today of all the days people like you need to remember what was told to the British - Quit India. Corruption Quit India, Dynasty Quit India," the Union minister said.

Smriti Irani also accused Rahul Gandhi of misogyny.

"While leaving Parliament, Rahul Gandhi gave a flying kiss. Only a misogynist man can do that in a house full of women. Is this their family's culture," Irani asked.