Those who spoke of janeu forgot about it in Wayanad: Smriti Irani

After her defeat at the hands of Rahul Gandhi in 2014, Union minister Smriti Irani is confident that she will upset the Congress president's calculations in Amethi in these elections. Excerpts from an interview to TOI.
What prompted you to fight Rahul in Amethi in 2014 and again in 2019?

In our party, it's not an individual's decision to contest from a seat. One of the demands here was to consistently address issues and be consistently available to provide solutions. Most of us in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been taught to work in difficult circumstances.

What's your take on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who referred to you as 'Smriti Who?' in the 2014 campaign and is now Congress general secretary?


When you have a limited view of the world, you measure others from your sense of entitlement. From 200 bucks in my pocket to becoming a two-time MP and a minister, it has been a long journey. And this would not have been possible if I focussed on barbs hurled at me. What was important was my goal and that was to be persistent with Amethi. This fructified in 2017 with four of five assembly seats in Amethi going to BJP. We now have 30,000 active workers which has never happened before. To challenge a five-decade legacy with hard work in five years is an achievement.

How politically important are Priyanka Gandhi'temple visits?

When you (Rahul) reduce religion to non-seriousness, you conveniently wear a janeu because you think only a segment of voters will be drawn towards you. Those who talk about janeu conveniently forgot about it in Wayanad.

Many believe you were rewarded with a cabinet berth despite poll loss because of your willingness to fight Rahul..

It's the sangathan's (organisation's) discretion. I will only say that never before was Amethi's truth unravelled before the people. Before 2014, people presumed this must be heaven on earth. I am glad people realise that when they choose the Congress president, their constituency goes into doldrums.

From Tulsi of Hindi soap opera to Smriti of Hindi heartland, what's more challenging?

My career in media and BJP kicked off simultaneously in 2000-2001. I had a consistent involvement with media & BJP...Having two kids and juggling with a professional life was most challenging.