PHOTOS

Women power in PM Narendra Modi’s new cabinet don handloom sarees, reflect India's sartorial diversity

During the cabinet expansion ceremony on Wednesday, women in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s council of ministers including Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani, Darshana Jardosh, Pratima Bhoumik, Shobha Karandlaje, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Meenakshi Lekhi, Anupriya Patel and Annapurna Devi - donned different types of beautiful handloom sarees.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan amid COVID-19 protocols, came days ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. It was the first expansion of the union council of ministers by PM Modi in his second term.

Zee Media Bureau|

Updated:Jul 08, 2021, 07:55 AM IST

1/6

Seven new women ministers in PM Modi's cabinet

Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared photos of women ministers on her Twitter handle. Along with it, she tweeted, "With Minister @smritiirani and the ministers who were sworn in today. From left @DarshanaJardosh @PratimaBhoumik @ShobhaBJP @bharati_mp @M_Lekhi @AnupriyaSPatel @Annapurna4BJP."

(Picture: Twitter/NirmalaSitharaman)

2/6

JP Nadda joins women ministers

She further thanked BJP chief JP Nadda and added, "Grateful to National President @JPNadda for graciously joining us."

(Picture: Twitter/NirmalaSitharaman)

3/6

Darshana Jardosh

In the photo, Darshana Jardosh, Lok Sabha MP from Surat, Gujarat, could be seen donning an ‘ulta pallu’ blue and teal coloured sari paired with a brown and golden watch. Next to her was Pratima Bhoumik, who chose a simple look by wearing a yellow saree with a red border.

(Picture: Twitter/DharmendraPradhan)

4/6

Shobha Karandlaje

Next was Shobha Karandlaje donning a silk saree, which was grey in colour with a pink border. Smriti Irani, who was shifted from Textile Ministry on Wednesday, was seen in a stunning embroidered Chanderi handloom saree with floral patterns and a bronze border.

(Picture: Twitter/DharmendraPradhan)

5/6

Meenakshi Lekhi

Meenakshi Lekhi looked gracious in a pink Gadhwal saree that had a striking blue border with embroidery on it. Lekhi is the second-term MP of Bharatiya Janata Party from Delhi. Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar wore a plain cream coloured saree paired with a pendant. Last year, on National Handloom Day, Irani had urged people to be `vocal for local` and request them to choose clothes made by local brands.

(Picture: Twitter/DharmendraPradhan)

6/6

Anupriya Patel

Anupriya Patel also wore a yellow saree, standing beside Annpurna Devi, who looked elegant in a polka dot print Madhubani saree.

(Picture: Twitter/DharmendraPradhan)