Former Amethi MP Smriti Irani’s increasing involvement in Delhi BJP activities has sparked speculation within the party about her possible role in local politics ahead of the 2024 assembly elections.
Born and raised in Delhi, the former Union minister has taken an active part in the party’s membership drive, which was launched on September 2.
Irani has been tasked with overseeing the drive in seven of the city’s 14 district units.
Party insiders have also noted that Irani recently purchased a home in South Delhi, hinting at a deeper connection to the city’s political landscape.
Some BJP leaders believe these moves may signal her potential candidacy for a leadership role in the upcoming elections.
A senior BJP leader said there is growing pressure within the party to project a face to lead the charge against AAP and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
In the 2020 elections, BJP contested without a designated chief ministerial candidate and won only eight of the 70 seats, with AAP sweeping the remainder.
If the party decides to name a candidate this time, Irani could be a strong contender alongside other leaders such as MPs Manoj Tiwari, Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and former West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma.
Some party members, however, caution against having a specific face, recalling the BJP’s failure in the 2015 elections with Kiran Bedi as the candidate. They suggest that the national leadership will take a decision later.
The question of a chief ministerial face could gain urgency if Kejriwal, currently in judicial custody over the excise policy case, is granted bail.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on his bail plea on Friday. If released, Kejriwal’s return to political activity could present a tougher challenge for the BJP, some leaders believe.
Irani’s participation in a membership programme in Chandni Chowk alongside local MP Praveen Khandelwal and her three-day visit to other districts such as Naveen Shahdara, Karol Bagh, and New Delhi, has been seen as her effort to strengthen BJP’s grassroots presence.
Irani emphasised the role of booth-level workers in driving the party’s success and growth, signalling her deepening involvement in the party’s organisational efforts in the capital.
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