Smriti Irani says Rahul Gandhi changed strategy after ‘soft Hindutva’ failure, making ‘calculated moves’

Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared her insights on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stressing that he is now engaging in a different style of political manoeuvring, adding that his actions are now calculated to appeal to specific demographics. 

In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani shared her views on Rahul Gandhi's evolving political strategies. 

She said that the Congress leader thinks he has "tasted success" and has now evolved. 

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Irani highlighted that when Gandhi discusses caste issues or appears in Parliament wearing a white T-shirt, he is fully aware of the message it conveys. 

She claimed that Gandhi's actions were calculated to appeal to specific demographics. 

Irani added, "So we shouldn't be under the misconception about his actions – whether you find them good, bad, or childish – they are a different kind of politics." She said that these moves are part of Rahul Gandhi's broader strategies to maintain his relevance in Indian politics. 

'Soft Hindutva'

Smriti Irani further remarked on Congress party's attempt at "soft Hindutva", including Rahul Gandhi's temple visits during elections. 

The BJP leader emphasised that these actions were not liked by the voters and attracted criticism.

"Rahul Gandhi did not get any traction from his temple visits. It became the butt of jokes. Some people found it deceitful. So when this strategy did not work, they switched to caste issues to gain traction," Irani said. 

‘Makes arousing statements to get media attention’

Smriti Irani further pointed out that Gandhi, who has been in the limelight for several of his statements, has been doing it knowingly to remain in the public eye. 

She said that his recent remark about the lack of Dalit or Adivasi contestants in Miss India is an example. 

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"He knows that Miss India has nothing to do with forming the government, but he still says things like that on social media. Because it makes the headlines," she said.

Pointing at his strategies, Smriti Irani said, "These are not his beliefs, this is all just part of a strategy."

(With inputs from agencies)