JD(U) Vice President Prashant Kishor on Wednesday, 23 January, described the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Congress' general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East as “one of the most awaited entries in Indian politics”.
Ending years of speculation, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics on Wednesday with the Congress appointing her general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East in a move reflecting the party’s intent to go full throttle in the state ahead of the general elections.
Kishore further pointed out to NDTV that had Priyanka Gandhi entered politics earlier, it could have made a “big impact in Uttar Pradesh” during the 2017 elections, in which the BJP swept to power.
“Until June 2016, her entry into politics was very much on the cards. Going by ground reports, many of us believed that it would make a big impact in Uttar Pradesh. Even Rahul Gandhi was all for the idea, but for whatever reason, they decided against it.”Prashant Kishor to NDTV
On how would her entry impact the upcoming general elections, Kishor told news agency ANI that it would be “far-fetched” to make any predictions at such an early stage.
“If we think that any person, be it, Priyanka Gandhi or anyone, can bring about a major change in one of the oldest parties in the country in a limited time span won’t be fair. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra should be given two-three years time and after that, the people of the country can decide if she will be capable of taking responsibilities (sic).”Prashant Kishor to ANI
Kishor had worked with the Congress in Uttar Pradesh as a poll strategist before joining the Janata Dal (United).
Also commenting on 'Bhai-Behen’ taking over ‘Modi-Shah’, Kishor said drawing a comparison between them wont’ be “appropriate.”
The appointment of Priyanka Gandhi is being seen as a masterstroke which will boost the morale of party workers in a state where Congress influence has been waning over the years and where the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have announced a tie-up.
Priyanka Gandhi, who turned 47 on 12 January, will assist her brother and Congress President Rahul Gandhi in the Hindi heartland state, which has 80 Lok Sabha seats, the largest of any state in the country.
(With inputs from PTI, NDTV and ANI)
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