‘New Caste Debate Tactic, Provocative Remarks For Spotlight’: Smriti Irani Decodes Rahul Gandhi’s Politics

The former union minister, who created history by defeating Rahul Gandhi in his home turf Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, said, “Rahul Gandhi tried to woo voters of the nation (who are majorly Hindus) by visiting temples, but it did not work for him. So, his public relations manager advised him to use ‘caste’ as a tool to reach out to the masses and gain political traction.”

“If he had the mindset of a great politician, it would have been evident since the inception of his career. What he is doing now is just a strategy,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said in a recent candid conversation during a podcast by a journalist.

Irani alleged that Gandhi made calculated and strategic moves. She urged people not to underestimate Gandhi’s line of attack, saying, “So we shouldn’t be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics.”

She said he made provocative remarks to remain in the spotlight and create headlines, citing his recent controversial remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India.

“He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines,” she said.

She questioned Gandhi’s ideologies and belief system and said, “If a politician wants to do good for the nation, he or she will do it at any cost. Even if he or she faces flak. The causes Rahul Gandhi is advocating for these days are a part of his strategy and not his belief system.”

During the podcast which lasted over two hours, Irani opened up about several topics for the first time since her defeat in Amethi in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Irani, known for her aggressive stance inside and outside Parliament, revealed the reasons behind her 2024 Amethi defeat and shared stories of her political journey. She also spoke on her political relationship with two prime ministers of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.

She shared her views on the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case and sexist remarks by fellow politicians apart from stories from her “Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” days.