Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, set to return to television with a revamped version of the iconic serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has asserted that her comeback to acting does not signal a departure from politics.
Speaking to India Today TV, Irani firmly dismissed any speculation of political retirement, stating, “Who retires at 49? People haven’t even started their political careers by then. I’ve been an MP thrice and held five ministerial portfolios — there’s still a long way to go.”
Asked whether she plans to contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi — a seat she famously won in 2019 but lost in 2024 to Congress candidate KL Sharma — Irani said the decision rests with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “I cannot predict what the party will decide. Maybe the party will decide something in 2026, or even 2025,” she said with a smile.
Irani also clarified that she was not asked to contest the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, where the BJP ousted the Aam Aadmi Party government led by Arvind Kejriwal.
Speaking about her political journey in Amethi, she emphasized her track record: “I know not what responsibility the party will give me. But I do know I established my credentials with my work as an MP.”
When asked whether she would have defeated Rahul Gandhi had he contested from Amethi again in 2024, Irani responded confidently: “Absolutely. That’s why he didn’t contest.”
Gandhi, who won from Rae Bareli and Wayanad, opted out of Amethi in 2024, where KL Sharma emerged victorious over Irani.
Irani also said it was no longer her mandate to go after Gandhi politically, hinting at a shift in tone post-election.
On her much-discussed return to TV, Irani quipped: “Meri marzi (It’s my choice). I’ve always been like this. I don’t believe in living a small life.”
She reiterated that her foray into entertainment does not reflect a withdrawal from public service: “I have not moved away [from politics]. But I know I will face more taunts because I defeated the Congress president in 2019.”
