Judge me by my work: Smriti Irani on remarks against her

As the controversy over her educational qualifications grew, newly appointed Human Resources Development (HRD) minister Smriti Irani responded to comments made against her and asked to be judged for her work instead. She did not, however, clarify why two affidavits filed by her had varying accounts of her educational background. [caption id=“attachment_1548231” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Smriti Irani responded to the comments made against her. IBN[/caption] Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Thursday morning, she said, “Extraneous circumstances have been created to divert my mind from the work I have been assigned to do. I will humbly request all of you to judge me by my work.” She added, “I have been judged by my organization for my capacity to deliver.” At 38, the popular TV actor turned politician is the youngest member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. She also alleged that the remarks against her were tactics to distract her from her work, adding that her work was good enough for her party to trust her with her current portfolio. Earlier, Congress leader Ajay Maken had said that Irani was not competent enough to be given the HRD portfolio because she was not even a graduate. Maken’s remarks have been criticised even by his own party members. However, the Congress lashed out at Irani once again by alleging that the educational qualifications claimed by Irani for the 2004 and 2014 Lok Sabha elections were different. Uma Bharti also responded, challenging Sonia Gandhi to provide her qualifications before questioning Smriti Irani, adding fuel to the fire. The 38-year-old Irani had unsuccessfully contested the election from Amethi against Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi.