Priyanka Gandhi lashed out at the Union minister in Amethi, over the latter’s act of distributing shoes among the people, alleging that Irani’s gesture was an insult to the people of Amethi.
Addressing the people there, Priyanka said: “Smriti Irani ji visited Amethi and distributed shoes to the people implying that the residents here do not even have shoes to wear. She thinks she has succeeded in insulting Rahul ji with this act, but has actually ended up offending the people of Amethi.”
“We know that we have been elected as leaders by you, but she being an outsider is insulting you by distributing shoes. Tell them that people of Raebareli and Amethi don’t beg for things,” she added. "Rather she should beg for votes from Amethi," Priyanka said.
“BJP’s campaign is far from reality. I see a sad picture wherever I go," she further added.
Smriti Irani is BJP’s Lok Sbaha candidate from Amethi constituency which has been Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s bastion. In 2014 also, Irani contested unsuccessfully from Amethi against the Gandhi scion. A day before, she was in Amethi, addressing public meeting and party workers.
“Outsiders are spreading false information that Rahul Gandhi does not visit here, but the truth is known only by you,” Priyanka said further.
She also targetd PM Modi and said: “I went to Varanasi and found that the Prime Minister has not visited a single village there in the five years.”
Irani's comeback:
Responding to Priyanka's allegations, Irani said: " I have been an actor so it will be better Priyanka ji refrains from staging a drama here." She added: "If she has even a bit of shame, then she should visit those poor residents who did not even have shoes to wear. She should once visit them and see the reality."
Amethi and Rae Bareli represented by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, respectively, will go to polls in the fifth phase of elections on May 6.