Amethi: While from a break from active politics, former Union Minister Smriti Irani has reignited the political discourse around Amethi. In a recent interview, she claimed that had Rahul Gandhi contested from Amethi in 2024, she would have defeated him once more. “The Gandhis didn’t dare face me,” she remarked pointedly.
Irani expressed sorrow over her defeat but stood firm on her legacy: “If people had said I didn’t work or broke promises, that would’ve hurt more. But I did everything I could.” She dismissed Amethi as a “never winnable” seat, historically skewed by social equations favouring the Gandhi family. “No wise politician chooses a seat where loss is certain,” she quipped.
Despite her television comeback, Irani clarified she isn’t retiring. “I’m 49. For many, careers begin now. I’ve already served three terms as MP,” she said. On future elections, she dropped a cryptic tease: “Why wait till 2029? BJP could say something in 2026 or even tomorrow. I can contest anytime.”
Irani’s dramatic tone and sharp remarks have stirred fresh debate on dynastic politics and BJP’s next moves in Uttar Pradesh
