How People Dress And What They Eat Isn't Neta's Biz: Irani

New Delhi: Women and Child Development minister Smriti Irani on Thursday said politicians have absolutely no business to talk about how people dress, what they eat and what they do as individuals. The minister said some things are “sacrosanct”, like a woman’s right to choose to live her life and engage with society the way she wants to, while responding to a discussion on the “ripped” jeans controversy.

Irani’s remarks came during a chat session titled “Ladies who Lead” at Times Network India Economic Conclave. As part of a conversation, Irani was asked about Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat’s “women should not wear ripped jeans” remark which he sought to explain as a point on culture. Without naming Rawat, Irani said, “Irrespective of whether it is men, women or transgender…, politicians have absolutely no business talking about how people dress, what they eat and what they do because ultimately our service is that of policy-making and ensuring rule of law.”