In July 2025, a photo of Smriti Irani dressed in her iconic maroon saree as ‘Tulsi’ from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi flooded social media timelines across India. For many, it was a moment of nostalgia. But for others, it raised a burning question: Has Smriti Irani left politics?
After decades in the public spotlight, from television screens to the heart of Parliament, Irani’s return to acting sparked speculation, confusion, and intrigue.
Her firm statement sets the tone for what lies ahead, not a retreat, but a redefinition. This blog explores Smriti Irani’s career, achievements, current status, and the truth behind the question.
Who is Smriti Irani?
Smriti Zubin Irani, born Smriti Malhotra on 23 March 1976, has worn many hats, actress, model, politician, minister, and now, once again, an actress. Her early life was grounded in a middle-class Delhi household.
Her father was of Punjabi-Maharashtrian descent, and her mother, Bengali. From working at McDonald’s to contesting in the Miss India pageant and becoming the face of Indian soap operas, Smriti’s life has been anything but ordinary.
Her big break came in 2000 when she played Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Smriti became a household name. Even in Afghanistan, the serial saw massive popularity, reportedly influencing women’s empowerment narratives and family dynamics.
But her transition to politics in 2003 marked a new beginning. Starting as a regular BJP karyakarta, she quickly climbed the ranks.
By 2010, she was the National President of BJP Mahila Morcha. Her political commitment was evident, and by 2011 she was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.
Her iconic win in 2019 against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi cemented her place as a formidable political force.
What Sparked the Rumours About Her Political Exit?
The speculation began soon after Smriti Irani faced defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, losing to Congress’ KL Sharma. The scale of defeat was significant, and for many observers, it marked a possible turning point in her political journey.
Adding fuel to the speculation was her surprise announcement of returning to television in 2025. The relaunch of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi with Irani reprising the role of Tulsi appeared to signal a career pivot. Social media was abuzz. Had she decided to leave politics for good?
But in reality, these assumptions were premature. Smriti herself made it clear that the acting comeback was a personal choice, not a professional shift. “Meri marzi,” she said in an interview, laughing off the idea that acting would replace politics in her life.
Moreover, she categorically denied stepping back from her political responsibilities, asserting that the BJP and its leadership would determine her future roles within the party.
Has Smriti Irani Left Politics?
Smriti Irani answered this question directly and confidently: No, she has not left politics. Her return to acting is not a retirement; it’s a return to something she has always loved. In her words, “This is not political retirement at all. Who retires at 49?”
Irani’s political journey spans over two decades, and her experience across ministries gives her a unique stature in Indian politics. She has stated multiple times that her return to acting was a personal choice, and she is still committed to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Key Points from Smriti Irani’s Interviews
- “I have been an MP thrice; been a minister for five departments.”
- “Maybe the party will decide something in 2025 or 2026.”
- “I have not moved away. But I understand I have to face more taunts since I have defeated the Congress president.”
Her approach suggests she’s simply waiting for her next assignment, not abandoning the field.
What Does Smriti Irani’s Political Timeline Look Like?
Smriti Irani’s political timeline is a testimony to her versatility and endurance in public life.
Political Timeline of Smriti Irani
| Year | Role or Milestone | Notes |
| 2003 | Joined BJP | As a regular karyakarta |
| 2004 | Contested Lok Sabha | Lost to Kapil Sibal in Chandni Chowk |
| 2010 | President, BJP Mahila Morcha | Represented women in BJP nationally |
| 2011 | Rajya Sabha Member | Represented Gujarat |
| 2014 | Contested from Amethi | Lost to Rahul Gandhi |
| 2014 | HRD Minister | Youngest in Modi’s cabinet |
| 2016 | Minister of Textiles | Led policy on handloom and garment industry |
| 2017 | I&B Minister | Oversaw Doordarshan revenue peak |
| 2019 | Won Amethi | Defeated Rahul Gandhi |
| 2019–2024 | Minister for WCD & Minority Affairs | Focused on women and minority welfare |
| 2024 | Lost Amethi | To KL Sharma, Congress |
Her role in multiple ministries and her status as a three-time MP reflects not a fading politician but a seasoned one awaiting her next chapter.
Why Did Smriti Irani Lose Amethi in 2024 After Her 2019 Victory?
Smriti Irani’s 2019 win in Amethi was nothing short of historic. She broke the Gandhi family’s stronghold over the constituency and secured victory against Rahul Gandhi by over 55,000 votes. But in 2024, the tides turned. She lost to Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma by a substantial margin of over 1.6 lakh votes.
This dramatic reversal had multiple layers.
1. Change in Candidate Strategy
In 2024, the Congress replaced Rahul Gandhi with KL Sharma, a veteran party worker and a well-respected face in Amethi. This move redirected public sympathy and confidence toward a more grassroots leader, shifting the narrative away from dynasty politics.
2. Voter Sentiment
There was a rising concern among local voters about unmet development promises. While Irani made efforts to bring central schemes to Amethi, some constituents felt a gap between promises and delivery. Congress capitalised on this dissatisfaction.
3. Political Fatigue
Five years of national-level attention did not always translate into local satisfaction. The BJP’s broader strategies did not resonate as powerfully in Amethi during 2024 as they did in 2019.
Despite the loss, Irani did not take it as a signal to step away. Instead, she remained composed and refrained from political blame games.
How Did Smriti Irani React to Losing Amethi in 2024?
Smriti Irani maintained grace in defeat. In her interviews following the 2024 election loss, she neither placed blame on the electorate nor hinted at retreating from politics. Instead, she reinforced her dedication to the party.
“I know not what responsibility the party will give me. But I do know I established my credentials with my work as an MP,” she said with confidence.
Her Post-Election Statements
- She acknowledged the result and congratulated KL Sharma.
- Rejected the notion that she was retiring, calling such thoughts premature.
- Emphasised her long-standing association with BJP and commitment to public service.
She also addressed the constant linking of her defeat with Rahul Gandhi by saying, “It’s no longer part of my responsibilities to attack Rahul Gandhi.”
Clearly, her focus has shifted from adversarial politics to internal party roles and social responsibility.
What Roles Has She Played in Narendra Modi’s Cabinet?
Smriti Irani’s cabinet journey is one of the most diverse among BJP leaders. Between 2014 and 2024, she held several important ministerial portfolios. Her contribution went beyond the symbolic and impacted key policy areas.
Key Cabinet Positions Held
Ministry of Human Resource Development (2014–2016)
- Launched SWAYAM platform to make higher education accessible online.
- Introduced IMPRINT India for research innovation through IITs.
- Pushed Udaan Yojana to support female engineering aspirants.
Ministry of Textiles (2016–2021)
- Implemented Apparel Sector Special Package worth ₹6,000 crore.
- Introduced Silk Samagra Workshop and Samarth Scheme.
- Focused on North East India’s garment ecosystem.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (2017–2018)
- Organised IFFI with accessible content for visually impaired audiences.
- Revenue of Doordarshan crossed ₹827 crore under her watch.
Ministry of Women and Child Development (2019–2024)
- Introduced POCSO Act amendments with stricter penalties.
- Launched Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh with support from Bill Gates Foundation.
Ministry of Minority Affairs (2022–2024)
- Launched Naya Savera for coaching students from minority communities.
- Signed historic Hajj agreement in Medina, enhancing quota for Indian Muslims.
Smriti Irani’s work touched every domain from education and textiles to minority welfare, proving her adaptability and dedication across governance.
Is Her Return to Acting a Full-Time Career Shift?
The moment Smriti Irani appeared on screen as Tulsi Virani again in 2025, public speculation took over. Many questioned whether she had given up on politics altogether. But Irani clarified that this was simply her personal decision to return to a space she loved.
She laughed off questions about career change with, “Meri marzi. I have always been like this. I do not believe in living a small life.”
What Her Comeback Actually Means?
- The acting role is symbolic, not strategic.
- She continues to remain available to the party for political responsibilities.
- Her return was part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot, a nostalgic move rather than a career pivot.
This isn’t the first time she’s juggled public responsibilities with television. Her earlier political journey in BJP also ran parallel to her acting days.
What’s Next for Smriti Irani in Politics and Public Life?
After two decades in active politics, including ten consecutive years as a Union Minister, Smriti Irani’s political career is far from over. While the 2024 electoral defeat in Amethi was a setback, it is not her political conclusion.
In her own words, “I cannot predict what the party will decide. Maybe the party will decide something in 2026, or even 2025.” This underlines her continued commitment to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ideology she has represented since 2003.
Her Influence Beyond Politics
Even without an elected position, Smriti Irani continues to hold advisory roles for several national and international initiatives such as:
- The Loomba Foundation (Vice President)
- Alliance for Global Good (Founder)
- Confederation of All India Traders (Strategic Advisor)
- Women’s Collective Forum (Advisory Board Member)
These platforms give her a robust presence in policy and advocacy spaces both in India and globally.
Conclusion
At 49, Smriti Irani has declared she has much more to contribute. From breaking glass ceilings in television and politics to shaping important reforms in education, textiles, and women’s welfare, she remains a powerful figure in India’s political and cultural fabric.
Whether or not she returns to Parliament soon, her influence is far from diminished. With her proven track record, fierce clarity, and unshaken loyalty to her party, Smriti Irani continues to be a name India watches closely.
FAQs About Smriti Irani’s Political Career
What was the reason behind Smriti Irani’s defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?
Smriti Irani lost Amethi in 2024 due to a strong local campaign by Congress’ KL Sharma, voter sentiment around unmet expectations, and a shift in political strategies by the opposition.
Is Smriti Irani returning to TV full-time?
No, Smriti Irani’s return to TV in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 is a side role. She clarified that this does not mark her exit from politics and remains committed to BJP.
Will Smriti Irani contest elections in 2029?
While Irani has not confirmed this, she said the decision would lie with the BJP. She hinted that her political journey isn’t over and may evolve based on party leadership’s direction.
Why did Rahul Gandhi not contest from Amethi in 2024?
Rahul Gandhi chose to contest from Rae Bareli and Wayanad in 2024, reportedly to avoid a potential repeat of his 2019 defeat to Smriti Irani in Amethi.
Has Smriti Irani quit attacking Rahul Gandhi?
Yes, she mentioned in a 2025 interview that it is no longer part of her responsibility to target Rahul Gandhi, signalling a shift in her political approach.
