The Congress announced its list of ‘star campaigners’ on Tuesday and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra figures on number 9.
However, Priyanka maintained her original stand that she would limit herself to Amethi and Rae Bareli for the UP elections, the Congress bastions, according to media reports.
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 had said on Monday that 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 Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi sharing 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. Priyanka Gandhi will also campaign beyond Amethi and Rae Bareli.Source
The source also said the campaign schedule for the Congress will be finalised by the end of the month.
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.Ajoy Kumar, Congress Spokesperson
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 Bareli 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.
(With inputs from IANS.)
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