News Broadcasting
Super exclusive News18 India interview with Smriti Irani
Mumbai: News18 India recently aired a super exclusive interview with Smriti Zubin Irani, the union minister for women and child development. The highly-anticipated interview, conducted by renowned anchor Aman Chopra, touched upon several critical topics, including the longstanding demand for women’s reservation, political strategies, and the role of the Congress party in shaping the discourse.
In a candid conversation, Smriti Irani highlighted the historical significance of the demand for women’s reservation, emphasizing that it dates back to the time of the Constitution’s formation. She pointed out that despite the demand persisting for 75 years, the government successfully took historic steps within 72 hours to address this issue.
Addressing the Congress party’s role in women’s reservation, Smriti Irani stated that their policy was clear, but questioned why, during the UPA era when they had a full majority, they failed to pass the bill and allowed it to lapse. She also noted that Sonia Gandhi was absent from the floor during the voting and introduction of the bill.
Furthermore, Smriti Irani disputed the Congress party’s attempt to credit Rajiv Gandhi for the women’s reservation bill, calling it a false claim. She pointed out that P.V. Narasimha Rao ensured women’s reservation in Panchayati Raj, but the Congress party did not acknowledge his contribution.
Smriti Irani also criticised the Congress party for its derogatory comments about women and their lack of support for the bill. She highlighted the insensitive remarks made by some of their allies and questioned their commitment to women’s empowerment.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements about the bill, Smriti Irani clarified that the Constitution, in Article 82, clearly outlines the process of providing reserved seats, including census, delimitation, and then implementation. She criticised Rahul Gandhi’s oversimplification of complex issues and urged him to understand the intricacies involved.
Smriti Irani also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s newfound focus on OBCs, reminding the public of his past statements about the prime minister’s caste. She pointed out that the Modi government has been continuously targeted for nine years, even when the prime minister’s mother was alive. She highlighted the significant representation of OBCs in the BJP and questioned whether the Congress party had ever genuinely promoted OBC interests.
In the interview, Smriti Irani criticised the Gandhi family for their remote control approach to the economy and their habit of visiting religious places before elections. She accused them of repeatedly insulting religious sentiments for electoral gains.
In conclusion, Smriti Irani emphasised that the Congress party’s approach to issues like women’s reservation and religion has been divisive and opportunistic. She called for a more informed and responsible discourse in Indian politics.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
