Smriti Irani Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Political Shift

In a recent podcast, BJP leader Smriti Irani acknowledged a significant shift in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's political strategy, suggesting he has 'tasted success' and is now focusing on caste politics as a calculated tactic to resonate with voters. Irani noted that Gandhi's symbolic gestures, like wearing a white T-shirt in Parliament, are deliberate moves aimed at appealing to youth and specific demographics. She emphasized that this change follows his unsuccessful attempts at 'soft Hindutva,' where his temple visits were ridiculed and deemed insincere. Irani cautioned against underestimating Gandhi's new approach, asserting that his public statements should be viewed as strategic rather than genuine beliefs. Despite her previous victory over Gandhi in Amethi, Irani faced a loss in the recent elections, highlighting the evolving political landscape. This reflects the Congress party's improved performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, increasing their seats from 52 to 99.