Sister of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has finally taken the much-awaited plunge into politics, just months ahead of the national elections due by May. The “Brahmastra” of the Indian National Congress, she will debut as the party's General Secretary in charge of the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh- putting her might across BJP's leading mascots Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Speaking to the press, Rahul Gandhi said, “I have not sent Priyanka and Jyotiraditya Scinda for just two months. I have sent them to take the Congress' ideology forward in Uttar Pradesh.” Sources said the appointment of the mother-of-two reflects the party's realisation that in a politically vital state like UP, which has 80 parliamentary seats and is considered the route to power at the centre, it needs to step up its game. Priyanka's mention entered in the third para of a press statement that announced Jyotiraditya Scindia in charge of western UP. The massive announcement came as Rahul began a two-day visit to Amethi. Priyanka is currently in New York and is expected to return on February 1.
Priyanka Gandhi has always been active in decision-making of the party, and played a key role in the alliance with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party in last year's UP polls. She also reportedly oversaw the party meeting in which her older brother was announced president. Congress leaders believe her arrival in party politics will galvanise the ranks that have been demoralised by the Mayawati-Akhilesh Yadav move without the Congress. Meanwhile, the BJP has shrugged off the announcement with spokesperson Sambit Patra saying, “Rahul Gandhi failed so they need Priyanka as a crutch. Can't they find anyone beyond that family?”
