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Bihar Congress looks for Priyanaka magic

Last Updated 19 February 2019, 16:16 IST

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into active politics has enthused not just party workers in Uttar Pradesh, but also the neigbouring Bihar, where the BJP had put up a strong showing in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Party's managers for Bihar believe that the "Priyanka magic" may have its impact in parts of the state adjoining eastern Uttar Pradesh, which has been handed over to the latest Gandhi scion.

Ten Lok Sabha seats in Bihar adjoining eastern Uttar Pradesh had elected BJP candidates in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. This is a region where Congress once wielded considerable influence.

"Priyanka's entry into active politics has surcharged the party cadre in eastern Uttar Pradesh as well as some areas in neigbouring Bihar. Party activists are working with renewed vigour in the region. This will certainly have an impact in the upcoming elections," a senior Congress leader said.

A saffron wave had swept Bihar with the BJP winning 22 seats out of the total 40 seats, while allies LJP and RLSP had picked up nine seats between them.

The BJP's virtual clean sweep of Uttar Pradesh had its impact in adjoining Bihar with the saffron party pocketing 10 Lok Sabha seats in the region bordering eastern UP.

The traditional Congress stronghold of Sasaram, represented by the then Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, also returned a BJP member.

Earlier, the Congress wielded considerable influence in upper-caste dominated constituencies of Buxar, Arrah, Saran and Champaran. However, over the past few years, BJP has established its writ in these areas.

Interestingly, Priyanka had made it clear to Congress leaders in Uttar Pradesh that she may not be able to work miracles if the party organisation is weak in the state.

She urged party workers to strengthen the Congress upwards from the booth-level in the state if they wished to see the party return to its glorious days.

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(Published 19 February 2019, 15:28 IST)

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