Why chase someone who won't fight: Smriti Irani's 'tone shift' on Rahul Gandhi

India Today

6 days ago

Union Minister Smriti Irani, once known for her fierce criticism of Rahul Gandhi, now appears markedly more conciliatory toward the Congress leader. In an exclusive interview with India Today Group's Anjana Om Kashyap, Irani was asked why she no longer takes an aggressive stance against Gandhi. Her response was direct and pointed: 'Because the Gandhi family refused to fight me in 2024.'advertisementIrani, who famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in 2019 in his long-held Amethi constituency, said that with Gandhi opting out of contesting from Amethi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was no political battle to engage in.'If they aren't even stepping into the battlefield, what am I supposed to say? I can't go chasing after them,' Smriti Irani said.
During the interview, Smriti Irani also pointed out that the Gandhi family moved to contest from Wayanad due to its favourable social demographics.'No intelligent leader willingly chooses a seat where defeat is certain,' she said. 'If a seat like that is given, it's only out of duty to the party. But in 2019, I turned the impossible into possible.'Irani also reflected on her journey and recalled her defeat in Amethi in 2014. She said that she spent the next five years working tirelessly on the ground.'I cleaned drains myself, brought electricity to villages, built over a lakh homes, set up a medical college, a 200 bed hospital, a collector's office, a police line and even a fire station,' she said.When Anjana Om Kashyap asked whether Irani could have defeated Rahul Gandhi again if he had contested in 2024, Irani responded with a smile, 'Absolutely, that's why he didn't contest.'Irani also spoke about the emotional toll of being removed from Amethi, calling it a place she is deeply connected with. 'If I had not worked and people had said I did not deliver on my promises, that would have hurt more. But I did everything I could,' she said.When asked why she lost, Irani responded, 'Because there's a diference between work and political equations. Those who are in politics understand this – electoral politics isn't the same as national service.'When asked whether stepping away from Amethi and the government left her feeling uprooted, she admitted, 'Maybe.''Because I defeated the national president of Congress, I had to tolerate a few barbs,' she added.Lastly, Irani clarified that her return to television does not signal a retirement from politics. Dismissing speculation, she said, 'Who retires at 49? At 49, most people's careers are just beginning and I have already been a Member of Parliament three times,' she added with a smile.Smriti Irani is making her comeback on the screen with the same show that made her a household name 25 years ago, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.- EndsMust Watch