The main pointer from Smriti Irani’s speech

As performances go, Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani’s was impressive.
On display during her debate in Parliament was a lot of anger, a sense of personal hurt and of course, her skill at clever oratory. She summoned the right material — some not directly connected to the issues at hand, but good enough to be props for a strong argument — to take on her detractors. She stood her ground emphatically.
However, these are only a minor part of the real significance of what she conveyed. It has to do with the BJP’s and the wider Sangh Parivar’s position on nationalism and other issues of significance for the Indian Right. The BJP had so far, appeared defensive, at least less than straight-forward, about these issues. Smriti’s speech dispels all ambiguity. It spells out very clearly where the party — by extension, the wider Parivar — stands.

She removes all pretension from the ‘us versus them’ debate by saying, “I am not certifying your patriotism, but don’t demean mine. I am not certifying your idea of India, but don’t demean mine.” “A traitor within the gates is worse than the enemy standing outside them.” The minister’s words may not have come exactly this way, but the tone certainly conveyed this: Yes, we are like this. Take it or leave it.
This might translate into ‘if you are not with us, you are against us’ on the ground, and it might force those in the ideological middle to take a position this way or that, but it’s clear that the government won’t be desperate to capture or win over the middle any more. As the government’s response to recent activities of the fringe elements suggests, it will side with them come what may. They are the party’s most loyal constituents and fit perfectly into its narrative of the nation; in no circumstance, will it alienate them.
It’s interesting that the party would choose Smriti to be its commander in a crucial battle for ideological positioning. One would have expected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be in that position. But the HRD minister, with her brand of aggression, clarity and articulation, proved the perfect choice for a difficult job. It would not be a surprise if she overtakes other leaders in the party in prominence soon. She is exactly the kind of leader — direct, combative and in your face — the Indian Right requires.
Of course, a victory in a parliamentary debate does not amount to much. But it serves to send out a message to the faithful on the ground. They can act without reluctance now and take forward the ideological agenda.
Source: Social Media