New Delhi, 17th August. Smriti Irani, a prominent senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Union Minister, has once again found herself in the political spotlight. Following her defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Irani has been given a significant role in the BJP’s on-going membership drive. There are growing speculations that she might be projected as the BJP’s face for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, a move that could redefine both the party’s strategy and Irani’s political trajectory.
This article will delve into the dynamics surrounding Irani’s potential candidacy for the Delhi Assembly, her recent political activities, and what this could mean for the BJP’s prospects in the capital.
A Strategic Comeback After Lok Sabha Defeat
Despite her loss in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Smriti Irani’s political stature within the BJP remains formidable. Her high-profile victory over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Amethi elections established her as a determined and capable leader. Although she faced a setback in the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP appears to be giving her another platform to revitalize her political career through its ongoing membership drive.
The party has entrusted Irani with the responsibility of overseeing the membership drive for seven districts in Delhi, an area that spans the equivalent of two and a half Lok Sabha constituencies. This responsibility is not only a signal of Irani’s importance within the party but also suggests that the BJP is keen on projecting her as a potential leader for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
BJP’s Membership Drive: A Tool for Rebuilding Influence?
Historically, the BJP has used such membership drives as a way to reinvigorate its political base, recruit new members, and identify emerging leaders. By placing Irani in charge of this crucial task, the BJP is providing her with a visible and influential role in the heart of the capital. Her increasing involvement with party workers in the seven districts is strengthening the theory that the BJP might promote her to a central leadership position in Delhi.
Rumors and Political Precedents: Smriti Irani as BJP’s Face in Delhi
Political observers have drawn parallels between Smriti Irani’s current trajectory and that of Biplab Kumar Deb, who became the Chief Minister of Tripura in 2018. Deb, a former Delhi-based BJP leader, was sent to Tripura in 2016 as the ‘sampark pramukh’ (chief contact person) and later made the state unit’s president. When the BJP won the state elections, Deb was appointed as the Chief Minister.
The similarities in Deb’s and Irani’s situations suggest that the BJP may be employing a similar strategy in Delhi by promoting Irani through a grassroots-level role before potentially positioning her as its face in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Delhi’s Leadership Vacuum: A Key Opportunity for Irani
A critical factor that strengthens the possibility of Smriti Irani being projected as the BJP’s face for the Delhi Assembly elections is the party’s current lack of a strong, experienced leader in the capital. The BJP has struggled to field a heavyweight leader who can effectively challenge the formidable Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener, Arvind Kejriwal.
Smriti Irani, with her decade-long experience as a Union Minister and her high-profile political career, could be the leader the BJP needs to counter Kejriwal’s influence. Irani’s leadership qualities, public presence, and ability to galvanize support are assets that the BJP could leverage to gain ground in the capital.
A Familiar Face in Delhi Politics
Smriti Irani is not a new face in Delhi politics. In fact, her political career began in the national capital when she contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from the Chandni Chowk constituency. Although she lost that election, Irani has maintained a close connection with the city over the years. Her recent purchase of a house in Greater Kailash, a prominent locality in South Delhi, further underscores her deepening ties to the capital.
Building on BJP’s Legacy of Women Leadership in Delhi
The BJP has a history of promoting women leaders in Delhi. In 1998, the party appointed Sushma Swaraj as Delhi’s Chief Minister, albeit for a brief tenure. Additionally, Sheila Dixit of the Congress Party, who served three consecutive terms as Delhi’s Chief Minister, set a precedent for women leaders in the capital.
If the BJP decides to project Smriti Irani as its face for the Delhi elections, it could be seen as a continuation of its tradition of promoting women leaders. Her candidacy could appeal to voters who are looking for a strong, capable woman leader in the city, potentially offering the BJP a unique advantage over its rivals.
Irani’s Meeting with Constituency Workers: A Sign of Things to Come?
Recently, Smriti Irani met with BJP workers from a key constituency in Delhi, further fueling speculation about her possible candidacy. The timing of her meeting, combined with her purchase of a house in Greater Kailash, suggests that she may contest from a strategically important Assembly seat in the upcoming elections. If this materializes, Irani’s presence in the local political scene could generate significant attention and excitement among both party workers and the electorate.
A Calculated Risk or a Strategic Masterstroke?
Projecting Smriti Irani as the face of the Delhi Assembly elections is not without its risks. Irani, despite her successes at the national level, has not been directly involved in Delhi’s state-level politics in recent years. Additionally, taking on Arvind Kejriwal, a popular and well-entrenched leader in the capital, would be a formidable challenge for anyone.
However, the BJP’s decision to promote Irani could also prove to be a strategic masterstroke. Her leadership qualities, combined with her ability to mobilize party workers and connect with voters, could provide the BJP with the momentum it needs to make significant gains in the capital. Moreover, her success in defeating Rahul Gandhi in Amethi demonstrates her ability to take on political heavyweights, which could work in her favor when facing Kejriwal.
Conclusion
Smriti Irani’s potential role in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections marks an important moment in both her political career and the BJP’s strategy in the capital. By assigning her the task of leading the membership drive and increasing her visibility among Delhi’s party workers, the BJP is positioning her as a strong contender for leadership in the capital. Her proven track record, leadership qualities, and connections to Delhi make her an appealing choice for the party.
If the BJP decides to project Smriti Irani as its face for the Delhi Assembly elections, it could be a game-changing move. While the challenges are immense, especially with Arvind Kejriwal’s stronghold over the city, Irani has the potential to galvanize the party’s base and attract voters looking for a capable and experienced leader. Her candidacy could provide the BJP with a much-needed boost in the capital and possibly pave the way for a new chapter in Delhi’s political landscape.
