Ganga, temples to dominate Priyanka's campaign

Looking to help her party regain its past glory in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be starting her election campaign from Monday.

The campaign will be in the eastern UP districts, including prime minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi.

On Sunday, she invoked River Ganga to strike an emotional chord with the people of the state.

Besides Ganga, temples would also be on top of Priyanka's campaign in Allahabad, Mirzapur, Bhadohi and Varanasi.

"I will be taking help of the Ganga to reach you (people)... Ganga is the symbol of truth and equality... It is also the symbol of our composite culture... It does not discriminate with any one... It is the lifeline of UP," Priyanka said in an open letter to the people of the state on Sunday.

She said that she is attached to this land (UP) and rued that the issues confronting the youth, women, farmers and labourers had "disappeared" completely from the political discourse.

"There is a need to change this type of politics," she said.

The Congress leader, who held a series of meetings with party leaders and functionaries here, would be leaving for Allahabad later on Sunday evening.

She would be taking the river route to campaign in Bhadohi and Mirzapur before reaching Varanasi.

In Mirzapur, Priyanka would be paying obeisance at the famous Vindhyavasini Temple and also visit the famous 'dargah' (tomb) of Maulana Ismail Chishti.

In Varanasi, the Congress leader would be offering 'puja' at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kal Bhairav, Sankat Mochan temple, Sheetla Mata temple, Shholantkeshwar Temple on the bank of the Ganga.

Priyanka would also be meeting the members of the 'mallah' (boatman) community. She would also take part in the 'Holi Milan' (programme on Holi) there, according to Congress sources here.