Can BJP’s Smriti Irani steal RaGa's show in Amethi?
Can BJP’s Smriti Irani steal RaGa's show in Amethi?
In the latest developments, BJP has declared Television actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani as its party candidate to put up a credible fight in Amethi against Rahul Gandhi. Smriti Irani is a household name as she was one of the most famous characters of a popular Hindi serial in 2008. Can BJP candidate from Amethi Smriti Irani is capable enough to pose a serious threat to Rahul Gandhi in Amethi?
Yes
• Smriti Irani has stayed a star in her television career. Unlike other celebrities who came into politics, Irani has given new dimensions to her political career.
• She is considered as a thorough parliamentarian who has always represented her state constituency well and has made substantial efforts to bring their problems in the parliament.
• She is an excellent campaigner and has great communication skills. She has a clear vision about how to move ahead in the short time.
• In the last elections in 2012, the Congress won just two of the five assembly segments in Amethi.
• She will get an additional advantage as the Samajwadi Party (SP) is not putting up any candidate in Amethi. SP votes were expected to support Gandhi.
• To take the advantage of the situation where SP is not putting up any candidate, Smriti Irani and the party is looking to get the votes of the sub-communities.
• She has risen to the level of VP of BJP in a very short stint of time and it is expected that she will re-demonstrate her performance in the polls.
No
• Amethi is considered to be the bastion of the Nehru-Gandhi family and it is not about Smriti or Rahul, it is about the strength that Congress holds in the most famous parliamentary constituency in central Uttar Pradesh.
• Rahul Gandhi has always benefitted from the rich personal legacy in UP. The records show it as he has been winning from here since 2004.
• The Congress party has already got an upper hand as they have managed to mollify Sanjay Singh. He is a known Thakur leader as well as a part of the former princely family of Amethi.
• BJP party has managed to win in Amethi just once in 1998. Most importantly the victory was led by Sanjay Singh who is supporting Congress this time.
• Smriti Irani has also to deal with Kumar Vishwas from AAP who has got a fair crowd appeal. Even he is an articulate man with strong command on words.
• Rahul Gandhi as well as Kumar Vishwas got ample time for election campaigning in Amethi.
Conclusion
If you go by the history and the past records, Congress has always remained a favorite of the local masses. Although it was a tough battle in last elections but still the party managed to steal a win. But still the way Smriti Irani has represented its constituency and has climbed the ladder of political success, the chances of her posing a threat to Rahul Gandhi cannot be denied.
Discussion
- RE: Can BJP’s Smriti Irani steal RaGa's show in Amethi? -Deepa Kaushik (04/11/14)
- Amethi and Gandhi family has a very old and strong bond. This region is famous for it’s strong hold with the Gandhi family. Congress definitely has a good foundation in this region and they could foresee a good big lot of vote bank from this region. Rahul Gandhi has also got a good record to project from this region. With the strong family backing and personal charm, Rahul Gandhi can definitely march with a broad tension free mind, in this area.
BJP’s sudden move to put forth Smriti Irani as a opposing candidature is worth appreciating. Smriti has been into the television world, stealing thousands of hearts from her various roles and performances. She is undoubtedly a big star for even the illiterate and ignorant class of people, who realize a truth in their life through their television sets.
Smriti has also emerged as a great leader into the politics in a very short period of time. The way she has gained confidence within the party and rose up as a brilliant performer, is a big advantage for BJP. She has also got a good record of representing her state constituency so far. She is well pronounced leader and places her views in a convincing and justified manner.
The absence of Samajwadi Party candidate, is again a booster chance for Smriti. Her persona can reflect well into the lower strata of the society, pulling up a whole lot of vote bank from them. Though SP’s decision was to favour congress, but this could give Smriti and hence BJP, a very good deal to place their feet.
In short, BJP has played the best trump by placing Smriti Irani. Though we can’t comment on stealing Rahul Gandhi’s show completely, but Smriti definitely qualifies to pose as a big challenger for Rahul Gandhi.
