Congress hints at bigger role for Priyanka in UP polls

There is a growing buzz in the Congress circles for a “larger role” for Priyanka Gandhi in politics, particularly in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. “Even Rahul Gandhi has said that it was for Priyanka to decide,” senior All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesman Ajay Maken told reporters here.

After Congress’ poll strategist Prashant Kishor floated Priyanka’s name as a possible chief ministerial face for Uttar Pradesh there are growing voices in the party for expanding her role in electoral politics. However, the Congress has steadfastly maintained that any decision of joining electoral politics has to be taken by Priyanka.

Asked about a “larger role” for Priyanka, leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said: “I hope that she will definitely campaign in other places if time



permits”.

Though Priyanka has been active behind the scenes in the party, she has confined her public role to Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Parliamentary constituencies of her brother Rahul and mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

There have been reports of Priyanka contesting the next Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, while Rahul shifts to neighbouring Rae Bareli. But these are not confirmed.

Recently, posters had come up in front of the Rajasthan office of the Congress drawing similarities between Priyanka and her grandmother late prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Azad, who was recently appointed as AICC general secretary and given the charge of Uttar Pradesh, said there was an overwhelming desire among party workers to see Priyanka work along side Rahul in the Uttar Pradesh elections.