Smriti Irani takes charge of Textiles; says new role shows PM's faith

Shunted out of HRD Ministry, Smriti Irani on Wednesday put up a brave face saying her new Textiles portfolio signified the "faith" shown by the Prime Minister and the party in her capacity to perform.

Talking to reporters after taking charge of the new portfolio, she side-stepped questions about BJP President Amit Shah being behind her shift saying it is not individuals but the party which takes such decisions.

Asked if the move was to give her more time to focus on next year's assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, she quoted a line from a popular Hindi song, "Kuchh toh log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna" (people are bound to say things because it is their job to say something).

"I am happy that I have been given an opportunity especially when a special package (of Rs 6,000 crore for the apparel segment) has been announced for the sector. This signifies that my party and especially the Prime Minister has faith that I have the capacity to implement the roadmap that was projected through the Cabinet for the rest of the country," Irani said.

She said she was hopeful that the much-awaited new national textile policy "will soon see the light of day."

Asked about reports that Shah was behind the move to shift her to Textiles, Irani retorted that "it is not the individual that plans (such moves) it is the party."

Earlier in the day, she tweeted on her tenure in HRD, which was marred by controversies, "In last 2 years, all initiatives of @HRDMinistry have been towards increasing learning outcomes for students and improving quality of education."

"I thank officials from @HRDMinistry for the consistent support in realising PM @narendramodi's vision of ensuring quality education for all," she said in another tweet.

About her new portfolio, Irani vowed to strengthen textile and apparel sectors and said her efforts will be primarily directed towards skill development and engaging more youngsters.