New Delhi, Jan. 24: Having played a key role in sealing a deal with Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will play a significant role in campaigning during the assembly elections in the state, hinting at a larger role for herself in the party.
The Congress on Monday said party workers want Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to play a “larger role” in politics.
Several senior Congress leaders acknowledged her role in striking an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress will contest 105 seats and the Samajwadi Party 298 seats.According to sources, there will be joint campaigns in Uttar Pradesh with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will share the stage on few occasions.
“There will be star campaigners from both parties. The programme and schedule of the campaigns will be finalised soon. There could be few symbolic appearances of both Rahul and Akhilesh together,” said a party source.
“Priyanka Gandhi will also campaign beyond Amethi and Rae Bareilly,” the source added.
The source also said the campaign schedule for the Congress will be finalised by month end.
“Congress workers are desirous of her playing a larger role in the party. There is a huge amount of support for her which is obvious. When her role is decided, you’ll be informed,” said Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar.
Kumar said Congress Vice Prseident Rahul Gandhi requested her and the Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh to get involved in sewing the alliance with the Samajwadi Party.
“Priyanka Gandhi has been active in the two Lok Sabha seats Amethi and Rae Bareilly out of choice and we respect her privacy. As far as Uttar Pradesh elections were concerned, Rahul Gandhi requested Ghulam Nabi Azad and Priyanka Gandhi to sew an alliance with a like-minded party.”
He (Rahul Gandhi) took a decision in the best interest of the party. It has been followed, executed and a wonderful alliance is in place,” he added.
