"Woh Haath Jod Ke Baithe Hai": Smriti Irani, KTR's Banter At NDTV's Yuva

KTR humorously remarked that he was put in an awkward position.

The NDTV Yuva Conclave on Saturday featured a clever exchange between BJP leader, former minister, and actress Smriti Irani and Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao.

During a rapid-fire session, when given the prompt "opposition," Ms Irani promptly responded with "irresponsible," earning enthusiastic applause from attendees. When asked if she believed any opposition leader could meet expectations, she quickly and emphatically answered "no."

When NDTV invited Mr Rao, who had spoken earlier and was seated in the front row, to respond, the BRS leader folded his hands in a gesture declining to comment.

"He's sitting there with folded hands," Ms Irani noted. "It rarely occurs that with a BJP leader on stage and media offering an opposition leader a chance to speak, they decline. They shouldn't later claim they aren't given opportunities to express themselves."

Quipping that he had been placed in a difficult situation, Mr Rao, commonly known as KTR, said he knew better than to interrupt the conversation.

"Especially when two women are talking," Ms Irani interjected, to which the BRS leader joked he had refrained from making that observation.

"I'm at a loss for words. I'm just here to listen. Whatever she's saying, she has the right to her opinion. I have numerous disagreements with the BJP and with what Smriti ji says. Nevertheless, she is an exceptional speaker, so I'm here to listen," KTR stated.

Using this interaction as an example, Ms Irani pointed out that despite differences between government and opposition, communication remains possible.

"KTR has been exceptionally gracious today. Yes, our parties' ideologies conflict, but as human beings, we can discuss issues and present both our perspectives for people to consider. That exemplifies a highly mature democracy," she remarked.