Priyanka Gandhi joins active politics, gets key post in UP
What's the story
On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was appointed the Congress General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East by party president Rahul Gandhi. This marks her entry into politics beyond Amethi and Raebareli. The aforementioned constituencies are held by Priyanka's brother Rahul and mother Sonia Gandhi respectively. Priyanka will be taking the charge in the first week of February, a press release by the party revealed.
Details
Will Priyanka contest from Raebareli?
While the party hasn't said anything about Priyanka getting a Lok Sabha ticket, political pundits are of the opinion that she could contest from Raebareli. Raebareli has been a Congress bastion for decades. Her appointment just months before the general elections hints that Congress has realized only one in-charge in UP won't be helpful. The politically volatile state has 80 Lok Sabha seats.
Twitter Post
Here is the official press release
Many congratulations to Shri K C Venugopal, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Shri @JM_Scindia on their new appointments. We're fired up ready to go! https://t.co/q7sMB8m6DO
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2019
Popularity
Priyanka is famous among Congress cadre
Priyanka, who is married to businessman Robert Vadra, chose to stay away from active politics but is seen as a 'guiding light' by many in Congress. In December'16, she appeared on the posters of Youth Congress along with Sonia and Rahul. As her appearance got the limelight, the then president of Youth Congress, Raja Brar, said she will always remain crucial to Congress.
Reactions
Priyanka is second Indira Gandhi, claim Congress workers
Congress workers at Amethi welcomed this development with open arms. According to ANI, some workers said, "Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai (Priyanka Gandhi is a storm, second Indira Gandhi)." Senior Congress leader Motilal Vohra said Priyanka has been given an important responsibility. "This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions," he claimed.
Twitter Post
Robert Vadra congratulates wife Priyanka
Robert Vadra in a Facebook post congratulates wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on being appointed as Congress General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/9gux2pXfk2
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2019
Decisions
Meanwhile, Jyotiraditya Scindia becomes General Secretary for UP West
The press release of Congress revealed another important decision. Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was a CM contender in Madhya Pradesh, has been appointed as General Secretary for UP West. He will take office immediately. Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was the AICC General Secretary for UP, has been made the AICC General Secretary for Haryana. The party thanked him for his contributions.
Effect
UP East includes Varanasi, PM Modi's constituency
UP East, the area for which Priyanka will be responsible, includes Varanasi, the constituency held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also nestles areas which are considered the fiefdom of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Notably, in 2014, Congress was decimated in UP. It won just 2 seats. Snubbed by BSP-SP and faced with BJP, Congress is clearly pulling out all big guns.