It was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who insisted his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, should enter active politics. Though their mother, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, initially disagreed, she finally gave in to his decision.
Priyanka's entry was confirmed after Rahul’s request to have his sister by his side in the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh was gladly accepted by her.
Priyanka, who inherited the charisma of her grandmother and former prime minister Indira Gandhi, was actively involved in key decision making in the Congress. She had played a pivotal role in breaking the deadlock over the selection of chief ministers for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh recently.
Another mission for Priyanka who will be in-charge in Uttar Pradesh will be to bring her cousin Varun Gandhi, who is BJP Sultanpur MP, to the Congress fold. Varun has appeared to be unhappy with the saffron party.
Rahul had suggested to senior leaders that the Congress needed a better game plan in Uttar Pradesh after the SP and BSP joined hands. The matter was discussed in the core committee meeting held in New Delhi on January 13.
Rahul announced the decision after considering the core committee’s opinion—appoint Priyanka in a top post and send her to Uttar Pradesh. Sonia initially opposed the idea, unhappy with the idea of having both her children in active politics.
Rahul said Priyanka’s presence will help the Congress much in a state where losing will have a huge impact in the crucial Lok Sabha polls. It will be difficult to focus on all states alone. Priyanka can carry the big burden in Uttar Pradesh, he insisted. Sonia finally agreed.
Going for Varun
Priyanka will also try to get Varun Gandhi, her cousin, to join the Congress, said party sources. Varun's presence will boost chances of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. Though Varun's mother Maneka Gandhi is not in favour of it, Varun might consider switching allegiance from the BJP to Congress, sources close to the latter said. Priyanka can play a big role in persuading him.
Scindia rises
Jyotiraditya Scindia was promised a senior post after he agreed to let Kamal Nath become chief minister in Madhya Pradesh. Rahul and Priyanka kept the promise by elevating the young leader to AICC general secretary.
-Via onmanorama