During a poll rally in Uttar Pradesh?s Varanasi, Union Minister Smriti Irani took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, amusing the crowd with a quip about a malfunctioning microphone. "Does the mic belong to someone named Rahul?" Irani asked, prompting cheers and applause from the audience. The moment, captured on video, has since gone viral on social media.

Irani, addressing the rally, highlighted the achievements of the BJP government, particularly in improving the lives of women across India. She expressed gratitude to the women in attendance, emphasizing the significant strides made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"I want to thank my sisters present here? The MP that you chose (PM Modi) did the welfare work for women all over the country? Any woman in our country, whether living in urban or rural India, never expected that any politician would understand the pain of beginning the day with embarrassment when she had to go for open defecation? A woman from a poor family never thought that the son of a poor mother would resolve from the Red Fort that he would build a toilet for them and give them respect. I am not here to give a speech but to thank the people of Kashi on behalf of 11 crore women for choosing a PM who became the 'Pradhan Sevak' of India," Irani declared.

The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi have garnered considerable attention, with Irani facing off against Congress leader Kishori Lal Sharma, a close aide of the Gandhi family. This electoral contest represents more than just a battle between two candidates; it symbolizes a clash of legacies and visions for the region's development.

Kishori Lal Sharma, known for his longstanding association with the Gandhi family, has been actively involved in Congress?s activities in Amethi for years. Originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, Sharma is confident in his chances, bolstered by his close ties with the Gandhis.

In a recent interview with ANI, Sharma expressed his confidence in the alliance?s victory, stating, "Not contesting to lose. I have faith in the alliance." He urged voters to recognize the Gandhi family's historic contributions to Amethi?s development and to support the INDIA bloc based on this legacy. "The Gandhi family developed this constituency. Vote for us based on our development work and our (the Gandhi family's) legacy. Vote for them (BJP) for the development work they have done," Sharma emphasized.