It is an opportunity, not just a post: Smriti on her role in the BJP organization.
New Delhi: Former Union Minister Smriti Irani has spoken candidly about her political journey and her defeat in the Amethi constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, following her return to the BJP’s central team. During a podcast conversation, she shared her views on not being sent to the Rajya Sabha and discussed her role within the party organization.
Smriti Irani stated that within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organization, a position does not define an individual’s identity; rather, it represents an opportunity to fulfill a responsibility. She emphasized that in politics, the work performed and one’s dedication to the party are far more important than holding a specific office.
Reflecting on her defeat in the Amethi seat during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she remarked that if political power had been her primary concern, she would never have chosen to contest from Amethi in the first place. She noted that Amethi had long been a challenging constituency for the BJP.
Irani mentioned that Amethi was historically considered a weak seat for the BJP, but the party persevered, leading to her victory in the 2019 elections. According to her, embracing difficult challenges is an essential part of politics.
Defeated Rahul Gandhi in 2019
Smriti Irani’s political journey has been closely linked to Amethi. She achieved a major political victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by defeating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. This win was considered historic for the BJP, as Amethi had long been a stronghold of the Congress party.
Prior to this, Irani had contested from Amethi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as well, though she faced defeat at that time. Despite the setback, she remained active in the constituency and eventually secured victory in 2019.
Defeat in Amethi in 2024
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani faced defeat in the Amethi constituency, losing to Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma. Following this loss, there was speculation in political circles about whether she would be sent to Parliament via the Rajya Sabha.
However, the BJP did not nominate her to the Rajya Sabha. Responding to this matter, Smriti Irani stated that responsibilities within the party shift according to the times and prevailing circumstances. She stated that every opportunity within the organization serves as a medium for work. Reaffirming her commitment to the party, she emphasized that the role of a karyakarta (party worker) is crucial within the BJP.
Served as Rajya Sabha MP from 2011 to 2019
Smriti Irani served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2011 to 2019. During this period, she handled several significant responsibilities within the central government. In both the first and second terms of the Narendra Modi government, she served as a minister across various departments, including the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Ministry of Textiles.
Her political stature grew further after her victory from Amethi in 2019, and she was entrusted with the responsibility of key ministries in the central government.
New Role in the Organization
Following her return to the BJP’s central team, Smriti Irani is now actively engaged in organizational responsibilities. She noted that the party offers numerous opportunities to work and that every role holds importance.
She remarked that in politics, one must constantly keep learning and continue working for the public and the organization. According to her, while positions may come and go, the responsibility towards the party and its ideology remains constant.
Reflections on Her Political Journey
During the podcast, Smriti Irani shared her political experiences, stating that she has always embraced challenges. Contesting an election from a constituency like Amethi was a challenge for her, yet she viewed it as an opportunity.
She observed that both success and failure are part of politics; what matters most is how an individual faces circumstances and moves forward.
Following this statement by Smriti Irani, speculation regarding her future role has intensified once again within political circles. With her return to the BJP organization, all eyes are now on what new responsibilities she might undertake.