'No Ideology, Family-Run Operations': Smriti Irani On Split In Oppn Parties | News18 India Amrit Bharat Samman

Last Updated:June 17, 2026, 21:02 IST

Praising PM Modi's leadership, Irani said it was for the first time in India's history that a Prime Minister had presented a long-term national goal in the form of Vikshit Bharat.

BJP leader and former Union minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday said political parties that lack ideology and function as family-run organisations are more prone to internal divisions and defections.

Speaking at the News18 India Amrit Bharat Samman 2026 event in New Delhi, Irani contrasted her own political journey with leaders who switch parties.

“When the UPA was in power at the Centre, and the Samajwadi Party was ruling Uttar Pradesh, I contested from Amethi. We did not leave our party. Where there is no ideology and parties become family-run operations, it is obvious for people in those parties to leave," she said.

‘People Won In West Bengal’

Commenting on the West Bengal Assembly election results, Irani said the victory belonged to the people of the state.

“People won in West Bengal," she said, while alleging political violence against BJP workers and supporters in the state under the Trinamool Congress rule.

Irani cited several incidents, including alleged attacks on BJP workers, and referred to the family of the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder victim. She claimed that political violence had been used to intimidate people and suppress dissent.

PM Modi Gave The Nation A Vision: Irani

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Irani said it was for the first time in India’s history that a Prime Minister had presented a long-term national goal in the form of Vikshit Bharat.

“It has happened for the first time in our history that a Prime Minister has put forward a goal like Vikshit Bharat," she said.

She also highlighted the growing participation of young people in democratic processes.

“Our young generation is speaking on every issue. They are actively participating in the democratic process," she said.

Irani Highlights India’s Economic And Digital Growth

Irani pointed to India’s economic achievements and technological advancements, saying the country had emerged as a major global player.

“If you look at purchasing power parity, India is at number three. More than 100 billion digital transactions have taken place," she said.

Recalling India’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Irani said questions had been raised about how a country of India’s size would vaccinate its population.

“When Covid came, there were questions about how India would vaccinate its people. Vaccines were manufactured in India, and a digital platform was created to support the vaccination drive," she said.

Irani added that India had supplied vaccines to 166 countries and demonstrated its capabilities during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.

“What India is capable of, the country showed during adverse times," she said.

About the Author

Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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