Smriti Irani questions Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead India

BJP leader and TV star Smriti Irani today expressed doubt over Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead the country and said the young Congress MP maintains silence over important issues facing the country.

"How can you hand over the country's command to Rahul who keeps quiet on important issues raised in Parliament?" she said.

Talking to reporters here, the president of BJP Mahila Morcha described as "eyewash" the CBI raids on former Union Telecom Minister A Raja's house and residence of corporate lobbyist Nira Radia in connection with the 2G spectrum scam.

The raids would not serve any purpose, said Irani.

The actor-politician was in the city to release a document on "Vadodara vision 2011" tonight.

The BJP's women's wing would organise rallies and meetings all over the country in support of the party's demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into 2G spectrum, she said.

Targeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Irani said she should provide evidence to support her corruption charge against Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.

After the pro-NDA verdict in Bihar assembly poll, it would be difficult for the Congress-led UPA to retain power at the Centre after the 2014 Lok Sabha election, she said.

Irani said Delhi has become "rape capital" because of the inefficiency of the police force in the national capital.

She criticised Union home minister P Chidambaram for blaming migrants for the rising crime graph in Delhi.

The Mahila Morcha would demand more seats for women candidates from the BJP high command in the states going to the polls next year, Irani said.

She described Narendra Modi as the "best ever" chief minister of Gujarat, and said he had ensured all-round development and security of women in the state.

She paid rich tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 60th death anniversary today.