Subhechcha Ganguly 
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who is set to return to television with a new version of the iconic show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has made it clear that she hasn’t exited the political stage. In an interview, Irani asserted that at 49, she still has a long political journey ahead of her.
“Who retires at 49? People are just starting their political careers at this age,” Irani said. “I’ve been elected as an MP three times and held five ministerial portfolios. There’s still a long way to go.”
When asked if she plans to contest from Amethi again in 2029—after losing the seat in 2024 to Congress’s KL Sharma—Irani did not confirm, saying that such decisions lie with the party. “I can’t predict what the party will decide. Maybe something will be decided in 2026 or even 2025,” she said with a smile.
Irani denied reports that she was asked to contest the Delhi Assembly elections in early 2025, where BJP managed to defeat Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Reflecting on Amethi, where she defeated then Congress president Rahul Gandhi in 2019, Irani reiterated confidence in her performance. “I don’t know what responsibility the party will assign next, but my work as an MP speaks for itself.” She also confidently claimed she would have defeated Rahul Gandhi again in 2024 if he had contested from Amethi. “That’s why he didn’t contest,” she said.
Responding to a question about her political stance on Rahul Gandhi, Irani remarked that she no longer has the responsibility of targeting him directly.
On her much-anticipated return to television, Irani lightheartedly responded, “Meri marzi (It’s my choice). I’ve always lived life on my own terms. I don’t believe in living a small life.”
Concluding her remarks, Irani emphasized that she hasn’t stepped away from politics and is ready for what lies ahead. “I know I will continue to face criticism because I defeated the Congress president in 2019, but I’m not going anywhere.”
