Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who recently made her political debut by taking over as the AICC general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh (East), might be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha elections. According to reports, Priyanka has agreed to contest from Modi's constituency, Varanasi, and the final decision will be taken by the High Command. Varanasi goes to polls on May 19.
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The Congress cadre in Uttar Pradesh had urged Priyanka to contest from the state. However, the leaders had earlier denied this. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had reportedly said it could be considered if Priyanka agrees. According to reports, the Congress is likely to make a surprise move by filing Priyanka's nomination on the last day.
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Earlier in March, during her first yatra in Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka spoke at the Assi Ghat in Varanasi. She had attacked the Modi government for making false promises about alleviating the difficulties of the youth, farmers and women. The intent of the visit—dubbed ‘Sanchi Baat, Priyanka Ke Saath’—was clear. It was to convey the message in Varanasi and beyond that Priyanka and her party were ready to take on Modi directly, and that she was up for the challenge of preparing the Congress for polls in what was an extremely difficult political terrain for the party.
During her visit to Raebareli, when Congress party workers requested Priyanka to stand for elections, she had responded by asking if she should contest from Varanasi.
More details are awaited.
