Smriti Irani

Smriti Irani is an Indian politician, former television actress, and producer who is a prominent leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Born on March 23, 1976, in Delhi, Irani gained fame as an actress in the early 2000s through her role as Tulsi Virani in the popular television soap opera Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which made her a household name across India.

Smriti Irani entered politics in the early 2000s, joining the BJP in 2003. She quickly rose through the ranks of the party, serving in various capacities, including as the National President of the BJP's women's wing, the BJP Mahila Morcha. In 2014, she contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Amethi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Although she lost that election, her close contest with Gandhi brought her significant political attention.

In the 2019 general elections, Smriti Irani successfully contested from Amethi, defeating Rahul Gandhi in a major political upset. However, in a surprising turn of events, Smriti Irani, who served as the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, lost in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi constituency against Congress' Kishori Lal in the recent Lok Sabha election by a margin of 1,67,196 votes, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Irani is known for her strong oratory skills, dynamic presence, and active engagement on social media. She remains a key figure in Indian politics, particularly within the BJP, and continues to play a significant role in shaping policy and public discourse in India.