In a major development ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has appointed his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East.
In a communique, the Congress said Priyanka will be taking charge from the first week of February. The release said Jyotiraditya Scindia has been appointed the party general secretary for Uttar Pradesh West, and KC Venugopal the national general secretary, with immediate effect.
The announcement of Priyanka’s official entry into active politics comes on the heels of the Congress failing to crack a deal with the BSP and Samajwadi Party for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh.
So far, Priyanka had only shown her presence while overseeing campaigning in Amethi — Rahul’s constituency — and Rae Bareli — her mother Sonia Gandhi’s constituency. Her appointment as a Congress general secretary means she will now be able to go past her restrictions to campaign in Uttar Pradesh.
Soon after the news broke, Rahul told reporters, “I am happy that my sister will now work with me. Jyotiraditya is also a dynamic youth leader… I have given Priyanka and Jyotiraditya a mission to spread the true ideology of Congress. I have full faith in both of them.”
About the plans for Priyanka with respect to the general election, Rahul said that it was upto her if she wished to contest the polls. “We will not be playing in the backfoot. We are in politics for the people and wherever we get the option, we’ll be on the front foot. I believe this move will result in a positive change,” he said.
Reacting to the development, senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra said Priyanka now has a “very important” responsibility as her appointment will not only have an effect in eastern Uttar Pradesh alone, but in other regions, as well.
Party leader Rajeev Shukla said Priyanka’s entry into politics will help in the revival of the Congress not only in Uttar Pradesh, but the entire country.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “The Congress is a family party; there is no doubt about it. After being rejected from the ‘mahagathbandhan’ everywhere, the party has sought a crutch from within their own family.”
Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot said that it was Priyanka’s “personal choice” to join politics. “This decision will motivate Congress cadres all over the country,” he said.
Priyanka’s appointment comes as a direct challenge to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. According to reports, Congress workers across India raised the slogan, “Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai.” “I am very happy that my sister, who is extremely capable and hard-working, will work with me,” Rahul said.
He further added that Priyanka and Jyotiraditya Scindia will work towards what the youth in Uttar Pradesh wants. “We are not going on the back foot, we do politics for development and people’s welfare. I have not sent Priyanka and Jyotiraditya for just two months. Priyanka and Jyotiraditya in Uttar Pradesh will spread the real Congress ideology and change the politics of Uttar Pradesh. That is the agenda,” said Rahul.
Senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra said Priyanka now has a “very important” responsibilityas her appointment will not only have an effect in eastern Uttar Pradesh, but other regions as well.
Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot also congratulated Priyanka, and said he wishes her a bright future.
Party leader Rajeev Shukla said Priyanka’s entry into politics will help in the revival of the Congress not only in Uttar Pradesh, but the entire country.
BJP says move suggests Rahul’s failure
Speaking to ANI, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “The Congress is a family party; there is no doubt about it. After being rejected from the ‘mahagathbandhan’ everywhere, the party has sought a crutch from within their own family.” Patra added that the move was “expected,” and that Congress is all about dynastic politics. “They consider family as the party while BJP considers party as the family. Congress has accepted that Rahul Gandhi ji has failed,” he further told ANI.
Uttar Pradesh BJP leader GVL Narasimhan Rao on Twitter called it the “most uneventful news of 2019”. He added: “The Priyanka card was played before every election and flopped each time. Perils of Parivar Politics: FAIL & THRIVE. Pity!”
Speaking to News18, Union minister Babul Supriyo congratulated Priyanka, but added that it was a move made by the Congress to “help support” Rahul. He added that the development proved Congress’ approach towards dynastic politics.
BJP MP and general secretary for Karnataka Shobha Karandlaje said on Twitter, “When clown prince is failing consistently, princess makes her entry! Congratulations Priyanka Gandhi On your appointment as Gen Secretary of East UP.”
Opposition offers support
National Conference (NC) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah told News18, “Thrilled that she is entering electoral politics. Hope she will contribute to politics. We extend our best wishes to her. She is like her mother Sonia and grandmother Indira. The people of India want her to help the party, and help her brother.”
“Both Priyanka and Rahul will prove to be a great help to the Opposition,” Abdullah added.
JDU vice-president Prashant Kishor, a former poll strategist for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tweeted: “One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi.”
