New Delhi: Union Minister of Textile, Smriti Irani on Saturday expressed apprehensions that 2019 might not be an easy year, fueling speculations linking her statement to upcoming elections.

During the inauguration of Indian Women Science Congress, Irani said that she was not sure if she would be available to attend the inauguration in 2021.  Addressing the inaugural session of the Women Science Congress here, she also said 2019 will not be an easy year.

Irani has been invited for a session in 2021, by Vijay Laxmi Saxena, the president-elect of the Indian women Science Congress for 2020-21. "I don't know the scientific probability of me being around in 2021. But, nonetheless, I accept her invitation with grace and gratitude," Irani said.

BJP will be seeking a second term at the centre in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in April-May this year.

Irani, who was one among the star campaigners of the party, had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 polls from Amethi against Congress party president Rahul Gandhi. She was however included in the union cabinet.

Citing problems she may face back at home, Irani said that her children have their board examinations and tat 2019 is not going to be easy for anyone of them .

"I have a 15-year-old who is preparing for her tenth Board (exam) and my son who is in the XIIth standard, preparing for his board. I mean, 2019 is not going to be easy for anyone of us," she said.