ET World Leaders Forum 2026: Smriti Irani on politics, power and the price of being a woman

Smriti Irani shared her journey from television to public service and its challenges. She highlighted the personal sacrifices made by working mothers in India. Women in politics face character assassination when competence cannot be challenged. Irani stressed the need for both youthful impatience and elder experience. Political relevance, she stated, does not have a retirement age.