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.
INC COMMUNIQUE
Appointment of General Secretaries for All India Congress Committee. pic.twitter.com/zHENwt6Ckh
— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) January 23, 2019
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.
Updated Date: Jan 23, 2019 17:56:14 IST
Highlights
Most un-eventful news of 2019: BJP
As the incharge of eastern UP, Priyanka will be managing the party’s campaign in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Parliamentary seat, which falls in the region.
Reacting to the development, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao called it the “MOST UN-EVENTFUL NEWS of 2019” .
As the incharge of eastern UP, Priyanka will be managing the party’s campaign in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary seat Varanasi. Reacting to the development, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao called it the “MOST UN-EVENTFUL NEWS of 2019”.
Grand show when Priyanka takes charge
Congress has planned a grand show when Priyanka Gandhi takes charge. Leaders from the party said that the rally may start from Lucknow and Varanasi.
Celebrations in Raebareli
Congress workers break into celebrations in Rae Bareli, after Priyanka Gandhi got appointed the party's General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Priyanka was actively working behind the scenes with Sonia and Rahul since 1999
Despite maintaining her distance from politics up till now, Priyanka Gandhi has played a crucial role in establishing Congress' foothold in its two bastions Amethi and Raebareli. Taking full responsibility of electoral campaigning in these two areas during the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, while Rahul and Sonia Gandhi toured the entire nation and held rallies, it was Priyanka, who took charge of Amethi and Raebareli.
Before that, in the Lok Sabha elections of 1999, Priyanka helped her mother Sonia win the two crucial seats of these contituencies by campaiging profusely on her behalf. She stayed for Amethi in two weeks for this purpose, which eventually led to Sonia's victory in the contituency by a margin of lakhs of votes.
Robert Vadra could prove to be Priyanka's baggage
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political plunge, at last, will most likely unleash a cacophony of voices. On one hand are the Congress supporters and political pundits who always felt that Priyanka was the right Gandhi to take over the family heirloom and that her entry into active politics was long overdue, while on the other hand are those who will remind the Congress party the baggage the Congress heiress comes with.
Trust Bharatiya Janata Party that the many corruption allegations against Priyanka's entrepreneur husband Robert Vadra will precede her reputation as the more articulate, forceful and charismatic politician in the Congress' first family.
Congress should be natural choice, that's Priyanka's job, say Congress leaders
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.
Presently, Priyanka is out of the country and will return to India in first week of February to take charge of eastern Uttare Pradesh. Congress was decimated in the region last Lok Sabha elections in 2014.
Priyanka is just like Indira Gandhi, says Farooq Abdullah
Comparing Priyanka Gandhi to grandmother Indira Gandhi, National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah said that he is confident of Priyanka’s success.
Speaking to News18, Farooq said, “This young lady has good vibes and she is nearly like her grandmother. People in India will love her, will want her to lead forward the party and help her brother. She will make a great success.”
Robert Vadra congratulates 'P', says give it your best
In a Facebook post, Robert Vadra congratulated wife Priyanka Gandhi, and said, "Congratulations P... always by your side in every phase of your life.
Give it your best."
Priyanka's appointment Cong's admission of Rahul's failure: BJP
Priyanaka congratulates Priyanaka
Congress national spokesperson congratulated Priyanka Gandhi for her appointment as an AICC general secretary.
Priyanka in direct challenge to Modi and Adityanath
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, Raebarelly, Allahabad — to name a few. So essentially, Priyanka will be challenging even Prime MInister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
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.
Congress serious in its promise of making UP a triangular fight after Mayawati and Akhilesh snub
Bringing the 47-year-old on board the campaign shows that the Congress is serious in its promise of making the election in Uttar Pradesh a triangular contest after the snub from Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav. Soon after the SP-BSP alliance was announced, Rahul Gandhi had said that he has a surprise in store, but few had predicted it be Priyanka's political plunge.
However, Congress leaders maintained that Priyanka's entry should not be linked to SP-BSP alliance.
One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here: Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor, who is the vice-president of JD(U) and a former poll strategist for Narendra Modi, tweeted: "One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi."
Priyanka and Jyotiraditya will be in UP to spread Congress' real ideology: Rahul Gandhi
"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 an extremely capable and hard-working, will work with me," says Rahul.
Priyanka will officially take charge in first week of February
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 on first week of February 2019,” the party said in an official release signed by Ashok Gehlot.
Priyanka's entry shows Congress desperation too: Analysts
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 infused 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.
Congress has revealed its trump card, say political analysts
Making it party's biggest announcement ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress leaders said that Priyanka was always working behind the scene with party members and that it was only a matter of time before she joined active politics.
Political analysts have said that Priyanka was always Congress' trump card. There was a lot of speculation during the 2014 Lok Sabha election and we saw footage where Priyanka accompanied brother Rahul Gandhi during several rallies.
"Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Sonia Gandhi hain"
Congress workers raised slogans congratulating Priyanka Gandhi. ANI reports, "Reactions from Amethi about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joining active politics pour in. They say "Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai".
This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions: Motilal Vora
Motilal Vora, a senior Congress leader said, "The responsibility given to Priyanka ji is very important. This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions."
The question wasn't "if", it was "when", say observers
The announcement of Priyanka Gandhi joining politics was recieved with a lot of gusto by Congressmen. Sanjay Jha said that Priyanka was a "determined and a resolute fight" and will infuse the party with renewed energy. "Congress will go all nine-yards to win 2019 Lok Sabha elections," said Jha.
Analysts have said that Priyanka's entry into politics was the matter of "when" and not "if".
Priyanka Gandhi is Congress general secretary, in charge of Uttar Pradesh
After years of speculation and mild denials, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has finally taken the plunge into active 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 and BJP’s star campaigner Yogi Adityanath.
LIVE NEWS and UPDATES
17:56 (IST)
Shahnawaz Hussain calls Priyanka's political entry 'old wine in new bottle'
Shahnawaz said that Priyanka had campaigned for the Congress in both the 2009 and 2014 elections and thus to say that she is entering politics now is just like 'old wine in new bottle'.
17:53 (IST)
Karnataka deputy chief minister G Parmeshwara congratulates Priyanka Gandhi
G Parmeshwara congratulated all those who have been given new roles by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and wished them best.
17:51 (IST)
Ashok Chavan congratulates Priyanka
The former Maharashtra chief minister congratulated the newly appointed Congress general secretary from Uttar Pradesh (East) and expressed hope in her leadership.
17:46 (IST)
Congress hopeful of defeating Modi-Shah combo through Priyanka trump card
Congress spokesperson Kumari Selja tweeted that the entry of Priyanka Gandhi will "further enthuse our party workers to defeat the nefarious agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party".
17:39 (IST)
BJP questions Congress's 'parivarwadi soch'
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.
17:31 (IST)
Abhishek Manu Singhvi welcomes 'young leaders'
"The appointment of the two young guns is definitely going to give sleepless nights for Yogiji and Modiji," Singhvi tweetwed.
17:28 (IST)
Former Mahrashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan congratulates Priyanka
"Her dynamism and personal charisma will definitely invigorate the Party. Her induction will have an impact far beyond UP, along with a renewed challenge to the Modi-Shah style of dictatorial rule," Chavan wrote on Twitter.
17:18 (IST)
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh says Priyanka's entry will rejuvenate party across country
Singh congratulated the newly appointed Congress general secretary and expressed happiness over her appointment.
16:58 (IST)
Congress performance in Uttar Pradesh till Priyanka Gandhi's appointment
In 2014, Congress had managed to win only two out of the 80 Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha seats.
16:53 (IST)
Congress will now work on getting the CM post in Uttar Pradesh: Rahul Gandhi
Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that with the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as the party's general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, the party has now begun work for bagging the chief minister's post in the state.
16:24 (IST)
Congress workers celebrate outside party headquarters
16:19 (IST)
Priyanka Gandhi's appointment was overdue: Kamal Nath
Senior Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath said appointments of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia as general secretaries will give a big boost to the party's prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
"This (Priyanka's appointment) was long overdue and was in offing for about six months. This will be a big boost for the party in a state as important as Uttar Pradesh," Nath told PTI in an interview.
Here to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Nath said the party cadre will get a strong message from her appointment and it underlines the importance of Uttar Pradesh for the party. — PTI
16:11 (IST)
Priyanka Gandhi had given first public speech at the age of 16
As this Moneycontrol article points out, one of the lesser known facts about Priyanka is that she had given her first public speech at the age of 16. In another interview, she had said that she had once spent 10 days in Vipasana meditation in 1999.
She also has an MA in Buddhist studies.
15:50 (IST)
Most un-eventful news of 2019: BJP
As the incharge of eastern UP, Priyanka will be managing the party’s campaign in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Parliamentary seat, which falls in the region.
Reacting to the development, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao called it the “MOST UN-EVENTFUL NEWS of 2019” .
15:48 (IST)
As the incharge of eastern UP, Priyanka will be managing the party’s campaign in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary seat Varanasi. Reacting to the development, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao called it the “MOST UN-EVENTFUL NEWS of 2019”.
15:43 (IST)
Grand show when Priyanka takes charge
Congress has planned a grand show when Priyanka Gandhi takes charge. Leaders from the party said that the rally may start from Lucknow and Varanasi.
15:40 (IST)
Celebrations in Raebareli
Congress workers break into celebrations in Rae Bareli, after Priyanka Gandhi got appointed the party's General Secretary for Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
15:33 (IST)
Priyanka was actively working behind the scenes with Sonia and Rahul since 1999
Despite maintaining her distance from politics up till now, Priyanka Gandhi has played a crucial role in establishing Congress' foothold in its two bastions Amethi and Raebareli. Taking full responsibility of electoral campaigning in these two areas during the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, while Rahul and Sonia Gandhi toured the entire nation and held rallies, it was Priyanka, who took charge of Amethi and Raebareli.
Before that, in the Lok Sabha elections of 1999, Priyanka helped her mother Sonia win the two crucial seats of these contituencies by campaiging profusely on her behalf. She stayed for Amethi in two weeks for this purpose, which eventually led to Sonia's victory in the contituency by a margin of lakhs of votes.
15:22 (IST)
Robert Vadra could prove to be Priyanka's baggage
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's political plunge, at last, will most likely unleash a cacophony of voices. On one hand are the Congress supporters and political pundits who always felt that Priyanka was the right Gandhi to take over the family heirloom and that her entry into active politics was long overdue, while on the other hand are those who will remind the Congress party the baggage the Congress heiress comes with.
Trust Bharatiya Janata Party that the many corruption allegations against Priyanka's entrepreneur husband Robert Vadra will precede her reputation as the more articulate, forceful and charismatic politician in the Congress' first family.
15:17 (IST)
Congress should be natural choice, that's Priyanka's job, say Congress leaders
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.
Presently, Priyanka is out of the country and will return to India in first week of February to take charge of eastern Uttare Pradesh. Congress was decimated in the region last Lok Sabha elections in 2014.
15:11 (IST)
Brilliant move by Rahul Gandhi, says Ajay Maken
Former Delhi unit chief of Congress Ajay Maken tweeted, "This is just a brilliant move by Rahul Gandhi. Priyanaka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia being made general secretaries of AICC and incharges of UP... Great announcements!"
15:07 (IST)
Priyanka is just like Indira Gandhi, says Farooq Abdullah
Comparing Priyanka Gandhi to grandmother Indira Gandhi, National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah said that he is confident of Priyanka’s success.
Speaking to News18, Farooq said, “This young lady has good vibes and she is nearly like her grandmother. People in India will love her, will want her to lead forward the party and help her brother. She will make a great success.”
15:04 (IST)
Robert Vadra congratulates 'P', says give it your best
In a Facebook post, Robert Vadra congratulated wife Priyanka Gandhi, and said, "Congratulations P... always by your side in every phase of your life.
Give it your best."
14:52 (IST)
Priyanka's appointment Cong's admission of Rahul's failure: BJP
14:49 (IST)
Priyanaka congratulates Priyanaka
Congress national spokesperson congratulated Priyanka Gandhi for her appointment as an AICC general secretary.
14:48 (IST)
Sheila Dikshit welcomes decision
"This is a very welcome decision. I'm happy. It's not a matter of having waited for it. The BJP is shaken (hence the dynasty attacks). It's the right of the Congress to appoint whoever it wants, Delhi Congress chief and former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said, according to Republic.
14:29 (IST)
Priyanka in direct challenge to Modi and Adityanath
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, Raebarelly, Allahabad — to name a few. So essentially, Priyanka will be challenging even Prime MInister Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
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.
14:23 (IST)
Congress serious in its promise of making UP a triangular fight after Mayawati and Akhilesh snub
Bringing the 47-year-old on board the campaign shows that the Congress is serious in its promise of making the election in Uttar Pradesh a triangular contest after the snub from Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav. Soon after the SP-BSP alliance was announced, Rahul Gandhi had said that he has a surprise in store, but few had predicted it be Priyanka's political plunge.
However, Congress leaders maintained that Priyanka's entry should not be linked to SP-BSP alliance.
14:14 (IST)
One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here: Prashant Kishor
Prashant Kishor, who is the vice-president of JD(U) and a former poll strategist for Narendra Modi, tweeted: "One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi."
14:10 (IST)
Priyanka and Jyotiraditya will be in UP to spread Congress' real ideology: Rahul Gandhi
"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 an extremely capable and hard-working, will work with me," says Rahul.
13:58 (IST)
Priyanka will officially take charge in first week of February
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 on first week of February 2019,” the party said in an official release signed by Ashok Gehlot.
13:57 (IST)
There is a difference between Congress and BJP. In BJP, the party is family whereas in Congress, the family is the party: Sambit Patra
"It's an announcement of Rahul Gandhi's failure that they are now bringing in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra. Attacking the party over furthering their dynastic politics, Patra said, "There is a difference between Congress and BJP. In BJP, the party is family whereas in Congress, the family is the party."
13:47 (IST)
Priyanka's entry shows Congress desperation too: Analysts
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 infused 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.
13:38 (IST)
Congress has revealed its trump card, say political analysts
Making it party's biggest announcement ahead of Lok Sabha elections, Congress leaders said that Priyanka was always working behind the scene with party members and that it was only a matter of time before she joined active politics.
Political analysts have said that Priyanka was always Congress' trump card. There was a lot of speculation during the 2014 Lok Sabha election and we saw footage where Priyanka accompanied brother Rahul Gandhi during several rallies.
13:34 (IST)
"Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Sonia Gandhi hain"
Congress workers raised slogans congratulating Priyanka Gandhi. ANI reports, "Reactions from Amethi about Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joining active politics pour in. They say "Priyanka Gandhi aandhi hai, doosri Indira Gandhi hai".
13:29 (IST)
This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions: Motilal Vora
Motilal Vora, a senior Congress leader said, "The responsibility given to Priyanka ji is very important. This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions."
13:24 (IST)
The question wasn't "if", it was "when", say observers
The announcement of Priyanka Gandhi joining politics was recieved with a lot of gusto by Congressmen. Sanjay Jha said that Priyanka was a "determined and a resolute fight" and will infuse the party with renewed energy. "Congress will go all nine-yards to win 2019 Lok Sabha elections," said Jha.
Analysts have said that Priyanka's entry into politics was the matter of "when" and not "if".
13:11 (IST)
Priyanka Gandhi is Congress general secretary, in charge of Uttar Pradesh
After years of speculation and mild denials, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has finally taken the plunge into active 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 and BJP’s star campaigner Yogi Adityanath.