The Changing Face of Rahul Gandhi: A Strategic Move or Childish Gambit?
Former Union minister Smriti Irani has made a striking observation about the evolution of Rahul Gandhi’s political tactics. Describing it as a sharp change, she acknowledges that it may be perceived as good, bad, or even childish, but asserts that it is all part of a carefully crafted strategy.
In a recent podcast interview, Irani delved deeper into Gandhi’s unconventional approach, stating, “When he talks about caste, or dons a simple white T-shirt in Parliament, he is fully conscious of the message he is sending out, particularly to the younger generation.”
“So, let’s not be misled by his actions – whether they appear commendable, questionable, or whimsical – they represent a distinct style of politics,” Irani emphasized.
अब स्मृति ईरानी भी राहुल गांधी की फैन। राहुल गांधी अब अलग राजनीति कर रहे हैं, उनमें बदलाव आया है।
◆ Former BJP MP Smriti Irani said. Smriti Irani has undergone a transformation after her defeat in Amethi. A small Congress worker had defeated her in Lok Sabha elections, and now… pic.twitter.com/AcJxm2lFTk
— Aviator Amarnath Kumar (@aviatoramarnath) August 29, 2024
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Soft Hindutva’ Bet Fails According to Irani
Irani didn’t hold back in criticizing Gandhi for initially attempting to align with ‘soft Hindutva’ politics, suggesting that his shift towards caste-based politics is a direct result of the former approach falling short.
“Rahul Gandhi’s endeavours to court Hindu voters through temple visits did not yield the desired results. Consequently, his PR strategists advised him to pivot towards leveraging ‘caste’ as a strategic tool for garnering support and making political strides,” Irani revealed.
“If Rahul Gandhi possessed the acumen of a seasoned politician, it would have been evident from the outset of his career. His current actions are purely tactical,” she added.
Addressing Gandhi’s controversial remarks regarding the Miss India contest, Irani remarked, “Despite being well-aware of the irrelevance of Miss India to governance, he continues to make such statements on social media for the sake of garnering attention and making headlines.”
The dynamic between Smriti Irani and Rahul Gandhi has been characterized by a tumultuous and competitive rapport, punctuated by frequent political clashes and public spats. Their rivalry reached its zenith during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when Irani contested against Gandhi in Amethi, a constituency traditionally held by the Gandhi family. Even though Irani fell short in 2014, she secured a monumental victory in 2019, earning the moniker of “giant slayer” for defeating Rahul Gandhi.
It is noteworthy that Irani faced defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Amethi.
