She calls it her second innings, but agrees that people are noticing her for the first time in a prominent party post. Smriti Irani in an exclusive interview to MiD DAY, after being appointed a secretary in the BJP, talks about her modest beginning and future goals
She calls it her second innings, but agrees that people are noticing her for the first time in a prominent party post. Smriti Irani in an exclusive interview to MiD DAY, after being appointed a secretary in the BJP, talks about her modest beginning and future goalsu00a0
During the last elections you projected yourself as the Desi Bahu of the country against the Videshi 
Bahu, Sonia Gandhi. Are you planning to raise the Videshi Bahu issue again?
(Laughs) I never created that image of Desi Bahu versus Videshi Bahu. It was a creation of the media and it suited them. I think nothing is bigger than the interest of the nation, and petty issues must not be allowed to overshadow the more important goals. A few days ago, when the government was trying to get the Women's Bill passed through the Rajya Sabha, but didn't have the numbers, the BJP supported the move. Now another big issue is inflation which is rising at an alarming rate. We need to concentrate on that rather than raising petty issues.
How do you plan to strike a balance between your political life and your professional life? Do you think that now the former will have to take precedence over the latter?
This is my second term. Not many people knew the fact, when I was actively involved with the party office in Maharashtra. But this time it has come under the limelight. But I accept that now my political life would need more attention than my professional life. But I can't leave the latter as people have expectations from me in that sphere also.
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Off late Sushma Swaraj is the only woman leader in the party who is associated with a complete Indian image. Would you follow her path or do you have another as your political ideal?
My political ideal is Atalji and I have worked closely with him. The current BJP leadership recognises women from all works of life. I appreciate the fact that in our party there are members from diverse fields and backgrounds and we can learn from each one of them.
The last time you contested you lost the elections. Do you wish to pick a certain constituency and work on it as a preparation for the next polls?
Constituencies are decided by the party and I would not like to comment on that. As a secretary and office bearer in the party my job is to ensure smooth functioning in its activities and preservation of its legacies.
Along with you, young leaders like Varun Gandhi and Navjot Singh Sidhu have also been recognised. What do you think of Varun Gandhi's image as a hardliner and Hindutva mascot?
Party posts are the prerogative of the party president and it would be wrong on my part to say anything. But there is a good mix of youngsters and experienced leaders in the party. While youngsters have got an opportunity to work, they can learn from the experience of the senior leaders.
How will you connect yourself to the masses, with your image in the TV industry?
I have been a part of the masses and I have come out from it as well. There was a time when had I started out with Rs 200 in my pocket and now I have a house of my own. It's better to be aware of the ground realities rather than giving out fancy quotes and bites. Whatever I have now- house or car - I have earned them with immense hard work. So far the journey has been satisfactory and
successful.
Just curious, how many cars do you have?
Jitni bhi hai mehnat se kamai hai aur tax de kar kamai hai. I have worked for 20 hours a day and I am happy that I could earn whatever I have. I wish to continue the journey with the same spirit.
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