Smriti Irani’s role as ‘Tulsi’ in the hit daily soap of early 2000 ‘Kyoki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, made her a house-hold name. Irani is one of those few who have successfully transcended from showbiz to serious politics.
Born as Smriti Malhotra, the daughter of a half-Punjabi, half-Maharashtrian Hindu father, Ajay Kumar Malhotra and a Bengali Hindu mother, Shibani Bagchi, Smriti completed her schooling at Holy Child Auxilium School, New Delhi and then enrolled in the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi. In 2001, Smriti married a Parsi businessman, Zubin Irani. The couple has two children, a son named Zohr and a daughter Zoish.
Smriti joined Bhartiya Janta Party in the year 2003. She was made vice president of the BJP youth wing in Maharashtra the following year.
Smriti went on to become the national secretary in 2010 and headed the women's wing of BJP. She became a Parliamentarian in 2011 after being nominated in the Rajya Sabha from Gujrat. Irani became a prominent face in national politics when she unsuccessfully contested against the Congress scion Rahul Gandhi from the traditional constituency Amethi in the 2014 General Election.
Later in the year, her promotion as the Union HRD minister during the first term of the Modi-led BJP government attracted sharp criticism from many, owing to the lack of her formal Higher education. She has been a Member of Lok Sabha since 2019 after finally winning from Amethi. She has been serving as union minister for women and child development in the second term of NDA govt.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Smriti Irani launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations of vote chori. Irani stated that the Congress Party had lost 57 elections even before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was conducted, asserting that SIR is not the reason for the party's electoral setbacks. Accusing the Congress leadership of being in denial over poll defeats, she highlighted that the opposition was questioning the mandate delivered by 90 crore voters across the country.
The Bharatiya Janata Party and the INDIA bloc held competing rallies and marches across Delhi and Haryana's Rohtak. The opposition alliance staged the 'Chalo Delhi' march to Ramlila Maidan, raising allegations of electoral irregularities and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In response, the BJP organized counter-demonstrations, including a solidarity padyatra in Delhi concerning the 1984 anti-Sikh riots attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and senior leaders. Additionally, BJP National President Nitin Nabin led the 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' padyatra alongside Smriti Irani in Rohtak, targeting the Congress and countering the opposition's claims.
In an interview on India First, BJP National General Secretary and former Union Minister Smriti Irani strongly rejected allegations against the Election Commission of India and dismissed the protests led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Irani asserted that the opposition's agitation is aimed at regime change rather than electoral transparency, stating, "Fight an election. That is a democratic way." Addressing claims regarding thirteen crore voters during the Special Summary Revision process, she explained that ninety percent of ninety crore voters have been verified, with nearly twenty lakh booth-level agents from all political parties actively participating in the exercise. Irani clarified that the flagged entries involved three crore deceased individuals, six crore who shifted locations, one crore duplicate records, and three crore untraceable individuals. Questioning the Congress leadership's narrative, she highlighted that the opposition won elections in states like Kerala, Telangana, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka under the exact same electoral framework.
A political war of words has broken out between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party over calls for regime change. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed the opposition and civil society groups, alleging that the Congress and its allies are attempting to instigate a Bangladesh-like situation in India and use youth protests to spread anarchy. Responding to the charges, Congress leader Pawan Khera acknowledged that the opposition is seeking a change of regime, stressing that in a democracy like India, such transitions occur legitimately through elections. The controversy escalated following remarks made during a press conference by Citizen for Justice and Peace representatives including Prashant Bhushan. The ruling party accused the opposition of using student movements to destabilise institutions, while Congress maintained that challenging and replacing the government through peaceful democratic protests and the ballot box remains the rightful duty of any political opposition.
A major political row has erupted over remarks advocating regime change amid ongoing opposition protests in the national capital. The controversy escalated after student leader Neha Bora cited Bangladesh's Gen Z uprising, drawing sharp reactions. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan asserted that seeking regime change is a democratic and constitutional right, while actor Prakash Raj defended the demand, emphasising that any political change in India must remain strictly peaceful through Mahatma Gandhi's path. Opposition figures maintained that their movement protests against alleged electoral malpractice under the slogan 'Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod'. The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a fierce counterattack, alleging that dislodging the elected government has been the opposition's hidden agenda from the outset. Former Union Minister Smriti Irani dismissed the campaign as a political tantrum, asserting that in a democratic framework, governments can only be changed by citizens through elections.
BJP leader Smriti Irani criticised Rahul Gandhi over the Opposition’s protests against the Election Commission in Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, questioning the basis of its allegations. Calling Gandhi an “unelectable prince”, she accused him of seeking regime change outside the democratic process. Irani defended the voter verification exercise, citing the participation of Opposition agents and the legitimacy of electoral institutions. She alleged that Gandhi’s protests were political theatrics aimed at destabilising the government and maintained that a change of government must take place through elections.
A high-stakes television debate features Congress spokesperson Adil Singh Boparai, BJP spokesperson RP Singh, and strategic affairs expert Dr Vikram Singh discussing allegations surrounding the Election Commission of India and charges of regime change. Adil Singh Boparai asserts that seeking regime change through the ballot box is entirely legitimate in a democracy and insists the Election Commission must remain neutral. Responding to accusations of fostering unrest, Boparai states, 'If seeking accountability and transparency is anarchy, then so be it,' while alleging procedural opacity and discrepancies under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. BJP spokesperson RP Singh strongly counters the charge, asserting that decisions within the Election Commission were taken unanimously and that the opposition is attempting to manufacture street-level unrest because it cannot defeat the government through votes. Dr Vikram Singh highlights severe national security concerns, warning against drawing inspiration from unrest in Bangladesh and calling for strict action against illegal voters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha held protests in Bengaluru against the Congress party, demanding the immediate arrest and parliamentary suspension of Congress Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. The protests erupted after Jawaharlal Nehru University terminated the services of the professor following an internal inquiry into sexual harassment complaints filed by students. Police detained several Mahila Morcha protesters who attempted to march towards the Karnataka Congress office, citing municipal restrictions permitting demonstrations only at Freedom Park. Protesters and BJP leaders accused the Congress leadership of maintaining silence on serious allegations concerning women's safety, while allegedly deflecting national attention towards sub judice issues surrounding the Election Commission of India. A First Information Report has been registered against the MP, with allegations citing sexual advances, offensive remarks, and inappropriate misconduct. The MP has denied the accusations, calling the charges baseless, politically motivated, and part of a targeted witch-hunt.
Jawaharlal Nehru University has dismissed professor and Congress Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following allegations of sexual harassment. The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the Congress leadership over the termination, questioning Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi over their stances on morality and women's safety.
The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the Congress party for criticising constitutional bodies and raising questions against the Election Commission following electoral defeats. The party highlighted that the opposition remains silent upon winning elections in states such as Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, but creates controversy whenever it loses. A party leader accused the Congress leadership of attempting to harm Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image while damaging constitutional frameworks and democratic conventions. The confrontation between political parties continues as the ruling party defends the Election Commission and urges the opposition to introspect rather than question established democratic institutions.
In an interview with India Today, Bharatiya Janata Party National General Secretary and former Union Minister Smriti Irani reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service in governance. Discussing his leadership and policy initiatives, she highlighted key achievements such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Mission Mangalam, Ujjwala Yojana, and Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic. Irani emphasized Modi's commitment to women's empowerment, pointing out the landmark 33% parliamentary and legislative reservation for women. She remarked, "The greatest strength, what I perceive it to be of the Prime Minister is that he's so focused on achieving national goals," noting his work ethic centered around Seva, Sambad, and Samanvaya, and his determination in steering the country toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.
A high-level political strategy meeting is underway in the national capital to chalk out a massive youth and Gen Z outreach program across the country. Top leaders from various states, alongside a young leadership team, have gathered to discuss communication gaps, key youth concerns, and ways to foster wider dialogue with the younger generation. The party is formulating an extensive blueprint to enhance engagement on social media and university campuses, focusing on young voters and fresh ideas. With an average leadership age of forty-five years in the new team, the organization aims to align its political strategy with the aspirations of the youth ahead of upcoming state assembly elections and long-term electoral goals. The planned nationwide outreach drive is expected to launch in mid-September, emphasizing youth participation in shaping the country's development and future political landscape through structured interactions and digital platforms.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Smriti Irani launched a counterattack against Rahul Gandhi over the escalating Vande Mataram controversy and his Manusmriti remarks. Irani flagged the muting of stanzas related to Goddess Durga at the Congress headquarters during Independence Day events. She questioned why Congress leaders skipped paragraphs praising Goddess Durga while claiming to support women's empowerment. The BJP alleged that skipping these stanzas reveals the true character of the Congress party, noting that Parliament approved all six stanzas of Vande Mataram. Irani also addressed remarks made during Rahul Gandhi's Chhatro Ki Goonj event, accusing him of invoking religion while ignoring key religious stanzas.
A political showdown over Nari Shakti has erupted between the BJP and the Congress following remarks by Rahul Gandhi at the Chhatro Ki Goonj event in Pune, where he accused the BJP of denying women empowerment. In response, BJP leader Smriti Irani challenged Rahul Gandhi and urged him to support the 33 percent women's reservation bill. Smriti Irani highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to all political parties to cooperate in implementing women's leadership in Parliament. The BJP has questioned why opposition parties, including Congress, are not backing the bill despite speaking on women's empowerment, raising the prospect of the issue becoming a key bone of contention.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a marathon four-and-a-half-hour meeting with the newly appointed BJP office bearers at the party headquarters. During the huddle over a millet meal, PM Modi extended his best wishes to the new team and urged functionaries to remain active on social media to strengthen digital outreach and deepen youth connect. Discussions were also held with party leadership regarding the names of Parliamentary Board members, with an official announcement expected soon. The two-day organizational meeting focuses on setting the BJP's electoral roadmap for upcoming assembly elections, including key states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, as well as groundwork for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. Additionally, the new BJP team passed a resolution on Vande Mataram, asserting that the honor of the national song cannot be compromised for political appeasement, while targeting the Congress party. In response, Congress stated that the BJP's strategy would not work.
The leadership discussed a nationwide plan for Modi at 25 celebrations alongside organisational strategies and election preparedness for upcoming state assembly elections, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, as well as future Lok Sabha elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the BJP headquarters to attend a meeting with the newly appointed team of party office bearers. The interaction focused on formulating a roadmap for upcoming state assembly elections, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, as well as laying groundwork for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Key discussions centered on expanding party outreach toward Gen Z and younger voters, alongside celebrating Prime Minister Modi's 25 years in public life. The party highlighted its resolution on protecting the national song Vande Mataram while intensifying political attacks against the Congress over its recitation stance. Newly inducted office bearers and senior leaders, including Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal, Ram Madhav, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, and B.L. Santhosh, were present. The meeting also addressed organizational strategies, potential alliances in Punjab, and counter-strategies against opposition unity on student and youth issues.
The new BJP national team under Nitin Nabin held its first crucial meeting at the party headquarters, bringing together veterans and young leaders. The meeting commenced with the national anthem and national song. The primary agenda focuses on drafting a strategic roadmap for upcoming political battles, starting with the 15-day Modi at 25 events celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years of public service in administrative roles as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. The team is also strategising for the 2027 state assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Goa, with a major focus on Uttar Pradesh due to its high number of Lok Sabha seats. Furthermore, the meeting aims to set the groundwork for the 2029 Lok Sabha election. Discussions include introducing new office bearers like Rajeev Babbar and Jai Prakash, connecting with youth, and showcasing the achievements and development works of the Prime Minister across the country.
BJP President Nitin Nabin arrived at the BJP headquarters to chair the introductory meeting of his newly formed core national team. The two-day mega meeting focuses on strategizing for the upcoming 2027 state assembly elections, with special attention on Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, while laying the groundwork for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Key discussions include planning the sankalp patra for polling states and organizing nation-wide celebrations for 'Modi at 25', marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service. Prominent leaders attending the meeting include Smriti Irani, who returns as National General Secretary with charge of Uttar Pradesh, National Vice Presidents Ram Madhav and Vasundhara Raje Scindia, National Treasurer Piyush Goyal, and National General Secretary (Organization) BL Santosh. The event involves introductory sessions, policy discussions, and interactive sessions with media representatives to outline the party's future campaign roadmap.
Calling Gandhi’s protest a “political stunt”, Irani alleged that the Congress leader was not genuinely interested in securing justice for those who suffered alleged wrongdoing. Instead, she claimed Gandhi was using the issue as a “shield” to deflect attention from the ongoing row over India’s National Song, Vande Mataram.
