Priyanka has tough task in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Congress has gone to town hailing Priyanka Gandhi’s induction into national politics of the party as a “game changer” but the task cut out for her to deliver in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP had won most of the Lok Sabha seats particularly in Poorvanchal region in 2014, seems a tough one.

Besides, the BJP, which has time and again dusted up the old cases of controversial land deals against her husband Robert Vadra, is unlikely to let this opportunity slip from its hand to paint the Congress family “corrupt”. Even before Priyanka’s entry, the BJP has been going hammer and tongs against “corruption by four generations of Nehru Gandhi family.”

The BJP on Thursday fielded Union Minister Manoj Sinha, its upper caste face from eastern Uttar Pradesh, to counter the perception that Priyanka taking charge of eastern UP will bring a dramatic change in fortunes of Congress.

“Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was made a general secretary in Delhi and you people are discussing it here. But it seems the people of the region of which she has been made in-charge are not noticing it,” Sinha said, stressing that Lok Sabha elections will be fought on a “different plane” and Modi’s development work will see the BJP through.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said in Patna that her appointment would bring the alleged corruption scandals involving her husband Robert Vadra onto “centre stage”, which would be to the BJP-led NDA’s benefit.

Congress leaders maintain that the catalyst behind the timing of this announcement was the falling apart of the grand alliance efforts with SP and BSP in Uttar Pradesh, after which Congress decided to go the whole hog. It was felt that Priyanka factor will boost the cadres, whose spirit was dampened after being left out of the alliance.

Long before Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emerged from behind the curtains and joined mainstream politics, she always had a role in crisis management of party affairs and worked as a bridge between Rahul Gandhi and other party office bearers.

Her entry received welcome from even unexpected quarters like sulking NDA ally Shiv Sena and poll strategist Prashant, who had worked with her ahead of 2017 UP assembly polls but is now Vice President of JDU.

“One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi. She joining politics is big news,” Kishor said on Twitter.

Sena, which has a blow hot blow cold relationship with BJP, also said Congress would benefit from her good personality, her presenting style and her ability to strike a chord with the voters.

Congress cadres in Varanasi are demanding that Priyanka should contest the next Lok Sabha elections from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Parliamentary seat Varanasi.

There is a buzz from a long time that Priyanka may be fielded from Raebareli seat.