Smriti Irani Explains Softer Stance on Rahul Gandhi: ‘Gandhi Family Refused to Fight Me in 2024

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, once a vocal critic of Rahul Gandhi, has adopted a more restrained tone towards the Congress leader.

In a recent interview with India Today Group’s Anjana Om Kashyap, Irani revealed the reason behind her change in approach: “Because the Gandhi family refused to fight me in 2024.”

No Battle in Amethi, No Criticism

Irani, who famously defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, said that there was no political confrontation in 2024, as Gandhi chose not to contest from Amethi again.

“If they aren’t even stepping into the battlefield, what am I supposed to say? I can’t go chasing after them,” she remarked.

She further noted that the Gandhi family preferred Wayanad due to its more favorable 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.”

Hard Work in Amethi Remembered

Irani reflected on her political journey in Amethi, particularly after her loss in 2014. She described how she spent the next five years focused on development work.

“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 asked if she could have defeated Rahul Gandhi again had he contested in 2024, Irani replied with a smile, “Absolutely, that’s why he didn’t contest.”

Emotional Ties and Political Equations

Irani spoke candidly about her emotional bond with Amethi. She said the defeat hurt but not due to failure in performance.

“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.

On the reasons for her defeat, she explained, “Because there’s a difference between work and political equations. Those who are in politics understand this – electoral politics isn’t the same as national service.”

When asked if she felt uprooted by the results and her departure from the government, she admitted, “Maybe.” She added, “Because I defeated the national president of Congress, I had to tolerate a few barbs.”

Dismissing Retirement Rumors

Smriti Irani addressed speculation about her return to television, clarifying that it does not mean she is leaving politics. “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 said, smiling.

She is returning to her iconic role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the show that made her a household name 25 years ago.

However, she emphasized that this comeback does not signify an end to her political journey. “Pehle ye mera dayitva tha. Ab nahin hai,” she added, indicating that criticizing Rahul Gandhi is no longer her responsibility.

A Battle Rekindled in Words

Smriti Irani reiterated her belief that she could have once again defeated Rahul Gandhi had he contested from Amethi in 2024. “That’s why he did not contest,” she stated.

Instead, the Congress fielded KL Sharma in Amethi, who went on to defeat Irani, while Gandhi won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad.

Reflecting on Amethi’s political history, she said, “History shows Amethi has not been an easy seat. Senior leaders like Sharad Yadav have lost there. Even Maneka Gandhi lost from Amethi, even though she was from the family.”

She claimed that the Gandhi family always found the social equations of Amethi favorable and hence chose it as their stronghold.

Politics Over Performance

When asked why her efforts weren’t enough to secure a win in 2024, Irani responded, “There is difference between performance and political equation.”

She added, “I would have been disappointed if people said I did not work for them. But they instead say I worked a lot… You are speaking of political results. I have worked for the national interest.”

Political Future Still Open

Irani made it clear that she’s not stepping away from politics. She reminded that she was active even during UPA rule and Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure in Uttar Pradesh. “I have done dharna politics too. I have been through the fire,” she said.

She left open the possibility of returning to electoral politics at any time. “Why wait till 2029? BJP could say something in 2026 or even tomorrow. I can contest anytime.”

Smriti Irani’s words have reignited political discourse surrounding Amethi, dynastic politics, and the BJP’s upcoming strategies in Uttar Pradesh.