Smriti Irani, a prominent BJP leader and former Union Minister, recently delivered a sharp critique of her long-time political adversary, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in a candid and pointed commentary. Irani, who has been a vocal opponent of Gandhi throughout her political career, particularly in their fierce electoral battles in Amethi, accused him of engaging in a new and calculated form of political maneuvering. According to Irani, Gandhi believes he has "tasted success" in recent times and is now employing a different brand of politics designed to appeal to specific voter groups, particularly through the lens of caste-based issues.
In a podcast appearance, Irani dissected what she perceives as Gandhi’s evolving political strategy. She suggested that his recent actions, such as his focus on caste politics and his symbolic gestures like wearing a white T-shirt in Parliament, are not merely spontaneous or trivial choices, but rather deliberate moves aimed at sending targeted messages, especially to the youth demographic. "When he talks about caste, when he wears a white T-shirt in Parliament, he's aware of what kind of message it sends to the youth," Irani observed, highlighting the calculated nature of Gandhi’s actions.
Irani cautioned against dismissing Gandhi's strategies as naïve or ineffective, warning that they represent a different kind of politics that could resonate with certain segments of the electorate. "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 stated, urging her listeners to take Gandhi's tactics seriously.
The BJP leader also used this opportunity to revisit and critique the Congress party's earlier attempts at what has been termed "soft Hindutva." She specifically referenced Gandhi's high-profile temple visits during election campaigns, arguing that these efforts were largely unsuccessful and even ridiculed by the public. According to Irani, these religious overtures did not resonate with voters, who saw them as insincere, leading to a shift in Gandhi's political approach towards a more caste-centric focus.
"Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani asserted, suggesting that this pivot is part of a broader and more strategic effort to maintain Gandhi's relevance and influence in the complex landscape of Indian politics.
Irani continued with critiquing Gandhi's political strategies. She also took aim at his recent provocative statements, arguing that they are designed to keep him in the public eye rather than reflect genuine ideological beliefs. She cited Gandhi's recent controversial remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in the Miss India pageant as an example of this tactic. "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," Irani remarked, accusing Gandhi of using such statements to generate media attention and remain a topic of discussion.
In her critique, Irani questioned the sincerity of Gandhi's ideology, suggesting that his recent statements and actions are part of a calculated strategy rather than being rooted in genuine convictions. "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy," she concluded, framing Gandhi's approach as one driven more by political expediency than by authentic ideological commitment.
Irani's commentary adds to the ongoing narrative of political rivalry between her and Gandhi, highlighting the deep divisions and contrasting styles that characterize their political careers. As both leaders continue to shape the discourse in Indian politics, their rivalry remains a focal point of debate and analysis, with each seeking to define the other in ways that resonate with their respective constituencies.
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