Rahul a 'Political Complication', Smriti Dares Him to Contest Polls Outside His Home Turf

New Delhi: "Rahul Gandhi is a political complication the Congress could not solve," said BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani while speaking to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami at R Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan. While speaking at the event, Irani also dared the former Congress president to contest polls outside his turf. Moreover, she predicted that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) would not be able to win Amethi even in 2029.   

Here are the Highlights of Smriti Irani 's interaction with Arnab at the Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan  

At Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan, the BJP Leader spoke on Amethi, Achievements, and Rahul Gandhi

BJP leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani , in a candid conversation with Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami at Republic Bharat's Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan, opened up about her political journey, particularly in Amethi, her achievements, and her rivalry with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi .

‘Biggest Achievement’

Reflecting on her time representing Amethi, Irani emphasized that she is a well-traveled politician who has served in multiple states, including Maharashtra , Gujarat , and Uttar Pradesh. "As far as Amethi is concerned, I am a well-traveled politician. I have worked in Maharashtra , Gujarat , as well as Uttar Pradesh," she noted, adding that her objective has always been to work for and serve the people.

Discussing the dynamics of Amethi, considered a stronghold of the Congress party, Smriti highlighted how the voting composition once heavily favoured Congress , with around 55% of the vote share.  

Despite these odds, she made history by becoming the first non-Congress candidate to complete a full five-year term as a parliamentarian in Amethi. "I am the first person to complete five years there as a parliamentarian. Before me, no non-Congress candidate had done so. I am also the first politician to defeat a sitting Congress national president. These are all titles that hold immense value to me," she stated.

However, Smriti clarified that she had never requested the BJP for the Amethi seat, not in 2014, 2019, or 2024. She referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s 2014 speech, in which he emphasized bringing about change, not revenge, to outline her accomplishments.

"Through Modi’s leadership, we brought electricity to over 80,000 homes, built toilets in over 3 lakh homes, provided houses to 1.5 lakh families, and established the first medical college in Amethi. In my 10 years in politics, I have positively impacted over 4 lakh families, which I consider a major achievement," she added.

Will Smriti Contest Against Rahul in 2029?

When asked about the possibility of contesting against Rahul Gandhi again in 2029, Smriti said, "I embraced my constituency; he abandoned his. If Rahul or Priyanka Gandhi believed they could win in Amethi in 2024, they would have contested. Their decision not to was the first indication that they feared losing."

On being queried if she would fight from Raebareli in the future, Smriti remained non-committal, stating, "That decision lies with my party. But one thing is clear — politically, it may seem like a battle between Rahul and me, but in reality, it’s a clash of two ideologies: one that prioritizes the nation, and the other that places family above all else."

Smriti also spoke about the efforts of the Congress party to defeat her, noting that their entire machinery was mobilized to stop her rise. Despite this, she remains focused on her mission of serving the people and advancing the ideology of her party.

‘Agar Dum Hai Toh…’

During the conversation, the BJP leader threw down a political gauntlet to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi . Responding to a question about whether Rahul would dare to contest against her in future elections, Irani openly challenged the Congress leader to face her in a contest outside of his political strongholds.

"Agar Rahul Gandhi mei dum hai toh aesi jagah se lad ke dikhaye jo unka political ya paarivarik gadh nahi hai… koi bhi sadharan BJP karyakarta se lad ke dikhaye… Baroda, Gandhinagar, Banaras, Lucknow ya Amethi se lad ke dikhaye (If Rahul Gandhi has the guts, let him contest from a place that is not his political or family stronghold... let him face any ordinary BJP worker... let him contest from Baroda, Gandhinagar, Banaras, Lucknow, or Amethi)," Irani stated, daring Rahul to prove his political mettle in constituencies beyond his comfort zone.

The fierce BJP leader, who had defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi, emphasized that her success was not limited to familial political legacies but earned through hard work and serving the people. Irani made it clear that she would contest from whichever seat the BJP decides in 2029, just as it did in 2014 and 2019.

'PM Modi's Word Is Our Commitment'

Touching on BJP ’s key issues, such as the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), One Nation One Election (ONOE), and the WAQF Amendment Bill, Irani expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s leadership. “If PM Modi has said it, then we will do it,” she stated, affirming the party's commitment to these policies that are integral to the BJP 's agenda for national reform.

On Canada’s Attacks on Indian Media

Irani also addressed the recent accusations and criticisms from Canada targeting the Indian media. She reiterated that the Indian government had already clarified its position on the matter but questioned the silence of the opposition on such a crucial issue. In a veiled criticism, she pointed out that while the government has stood firm, the opposition has failed to take a clear stand.

Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan

From politics and sports to business, entertainment, agriculture, and Indian culture, the summit saw a comprehensive dialogue on growth, development, and the way forward for India.

The Rashtra Sarvopari Sammelan at Republic Bharat brought fresh insights and analysis on the critical issues that define the Indian landscape. The discussions revolved around India's progress, challenges, and opportunities across sectors that shape the country’s future.