JOIN USPriyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday once again discounted joining the Congress top brass as political rivals revelled over reports of a “palace coup” against her brother and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
“The constant conjecture about my assuming various posts in the Congress party and the manner in which this issue is brought up at opportune moments is incorrect,” Priyanka said.“I would be very grateful to all concerned if they desisted from encouraging such baseless rumours,” she added.
Reports in a section of the media had suggested that the 42-year-old daughter of party president Sonia Gandhi could be given an enhanced role in the party in the wake of its worst-ever performance in the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul had led the Congress campaign for the polls.
Gandhi family loyalist Oscar Fernandes had said not only he but all Congress workers wished Priyanka gave more time to the party and assumed a larger role.
Asked whether Priyanka coming to the fore would raise questions on Rahul’s leadership, he had said that another Gandhi family member would only strengthen the party.
The talk of a greater role for Priyanka gained more traction when Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza said they wanted all three members of the Gandhi family to assume leadership of the party.