Smriti Irani Challenges Congress on Dalit Leadership, Promotes Haryana Welfare Schemes

BJP leader Smriti Irani criticized Congress on Dalit representation and promoted Haryana's Lado Lakshmi Scheme, promising financial aid for women. Haryana's assembly elections will take place on October 5 with results on October 8.

On Monday, BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani launched a direct attack on Congress, challenging the party's commitment to Dalit representation by urging them to declare Kumari Selja as their Chief Minister candidate. "If there is so much concern for Dalits, then declare Kumari Selja as the Chief Minister candidate, maybe Bhupinder Singh Hooda will also support her," Irani stated during a press conference in Rohtak.

Reacting to Irani's remarks, Congress leader Kumari Selja dismissed rumors of her potential switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party, affirming her allegiance to the Congress party. BJP figures had previously accused Congress of sidelining Selja and not giving her due recognition.

Smriti Irani also took the opportunity to highlight various welfare initiatives championed by the Haryana government, notably the 'Lado Lakshmi Scheme,' which aims to provide Rs 2,100 monthly to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Irani showcased the effectiveness of the scheme by mentioning that Rs 74,680 crore have been disbursed to Haryana residents through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

With the Haryana state legislative assembly elections scheduled for October 5, Smriti Irani expressed confidence in BJP's prospects. In the previous 2019 elections, BJP secured 40 seats, becoming the largest party, while Congress managed to win 30 seats. The vote counting is set for October 8, which will determine the composition of the new 90-member state assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)