Priyanka Gandhi enters politics LATEST updates: Even as congratulations are pouring in from Congress leaders, BJP Leader JP Nadda said that the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi in Congress indicates that Rahul Gandhi has failed as the party's scion and he should answer the question of dynastic politics.
Congress has planned a grand show when Priyanka Gandhi takes charge, reports have said. Congress sources said that the rally may start from Lucknow or Varanasi.
Congress leaders are rejoicing Priyanka Gandhi officially joining the party. Former Delhi unit chief of Congress Ajay Maken tweeted, "This is just a brilliant move by Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia being made general secretaries of AICC and in charge of UP... Great announcements!" Congress' idea is to ensure to push NDA out of power, senior leaders said. "The idea is to replant Congress as the only natural choice on a pan-India level and Priyanka Gandhi is the best choice for the job," said Congress leader Sachin Pilot.
Reactions poured in from all corners after Congress officially welcomed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the AICC general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh. BJP leaders slammed the Congress for furthering their dynastic politics agenda. Union minister Smriti Irani said, "Congress has officially accepted Rahul Gandhi's failure."
Sambit Patra, BJP spokesperson said, "It's an announcement of Rahul Gandhi's failure that they are now bringing in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra."

Priyanka Gandhi. Reuters
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has given his sister the charge of poll preparations in eastern Uttar Pradesh in a direct challenge to Yogi Adityanath. Eastern Uttar Pradesh comprises crucial constituencies — Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Amethi, Rae Bareilly, Allahabad — to name a few. So essentially, Priyanka will be challenging even Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
"We are not going on the backfoot, we do politics for development and people's welfare. Priyanka and Jyotiraditya Scindia in Uttar Pradesh will spread the real Congress ideology and change the politics of Uttar Pradesh. That is the agenda," says Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul said that Congress wants to tell the youths and farmers that you have wasted a lot of time, you have voted BJP which has left the state in shambles. "Now, let us give a new direction to politics of UP."
"I am very happy that my sister, who is extremely capable and hard-working, will work with me," says Rahul.
Analysts, however, also added that the decision to introduce Priyanka Gandhi ahead of Lok Sabha elections shows Congress' desperation. Congress has essentially shown its hand in the run-up to the polls.
Even as Congress leaders have said that she will infuse new energy among the cadre, the party is opening itself up for many challenges, especially from the BJP. BJP has always attacked the party over dynastic politics, the attacks will only intensify.
After years of speculation and mild denials, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has finally entered politics. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has given his sister the charge of poll preparations in eastern Uttar Pradesh in a direct challenge to chief minister Yogi Adityanath. According to reports, Congress members across India raised slogans, "Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai."
Speaking to News18, Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha said that it was one of the most awaited announcement and Priyanka, whom he described as a "determined and a resolute fighter" will galvanise the cadre and infuse the party with renewed energy.
Though Priyanka is known to have had a say in formalising election strategies and candidates’ list of the Congress in previous elections, she now has a formal title to go along with that role.
“Honourable Congress president has appointed Shrimati Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as AICC General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. She will be taking charge with effect from the first week of February 2019,” the party said in an official release signed by General Secretary Ashok Gehlot. The party also appointed senior leader Jyotiraditya Scindia as AICC General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West and shifted Ghulam Nabi Azad to oversee poll preparations in Haryana to make way for the young guns.
Considered Congress' "last trump card", Priyanka's involvement in active politics has been a topic of speculation for years now. Even during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, there were several talks of Priyanka joining active politics.