Reactions pour in on Priyanka's foray into politics

Reactions are flooding in on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's into active politics; Rahul Gandhi has appointed her as General Secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Many congratulated Congress president Rahul Gandhi for appointing a woman to head the party in an important region like eastern UP, which includes Varanasi and Gorakhpur - the turfs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath.

"Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia are powerful leaders, said Rahul. "We wanted the young leaders to change Uttar Pradesh politics."

Wished poured in on Twitter. "We welcome Priyanka Gandhi’s appointment as General Secretary. Her entry into active politics will energise cadres and be a catalyst for the rising fortunes of the Congress Party," tweeted former union minister Kapil Sibal.

Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra congratulated his wife in a Facebook post and said: "Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best."

Biju Janata Dal leader and election strategist Prashant Kishor, while congratulating Priyanka, called it a much-awaited event. "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," he tweeted.

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi tweeted: "Many many congratulations!!! This is so brilliant from @INCIndia President @RahulGandhi ji. Welcoming Priyanka Gandhi Vadra ji as Incharge UP East! [sic]."

Congress MP Sushmita tweeted: "Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Ji. I thank @RahulGandhi ji for entrusting her with an important position. I am happy as the national president of @MahilaCongress to see a woman General Secretary in AICC."

"Rahul-Priyanka combination has the potential of a successful combination like Kennedys & Castros [sic]," tweeted Ashok Swain, Professor, Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden.