Very happy, Congress won’t play on backfoot in UP: Rahul Gandhi on sister Priyanka’s entry into politics

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi expressed his happiness over his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s formal entry into politics. Talking to media in Amethi, Gandhi said that he was very happy with the news. “I am personally very happy that she will work with me now. She is extremely capable person,” a visibly happy Congress president said. On the impact of Mrs Vadra’s entry into politics, Gandhi said that “we can totally trust her. The Congress won’t work on backfoot now in Uttar Pradesh. Priyanka has mission UP with her.” On his political opponents, Gandhi said that “BJP wale ghabraaye hue hain (BJP is very scared).”

Gandhi also congratulated Jyotiraditya Scindia for the new role as Congress in-charge in UP (West). Scindia is a very dynamic leader. The Congress chief also didn’t shy away from talking about the crucial SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh. “We have no enmity with Mayawati ji and Akhilesh ji, infact I respect them a lot. We are ready to cooperate with them wherever possible. Ultimately the aim of all three of us is to defeat BJP, but yes our fight is to save Congress ideology,” Gandhi said.

News Nation was first channel to show the Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s appointment letter issued by the Congress. Mrs Vadra also posted the letter on her Facebook page. With hashtags such as ‘thank you,’ the post meant that hse is ready for the plunge.

Numerous Congress leaders were seen congratulating Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after her appointment. “As Priyanka Vadra Gandhi takes charge of Uttar Pradesh as AICC gen secy the politics of the Hindi heartland is about to change. With a new general in command each UP Congressman is battle ready,” former minister Jitin Prasada said on Twitter. 

Reacting to the story, BJP UP in-charge JP Nadda said, “Priyanka Gandhi officially becomes General Secretary of Congress, but everyone knows how this household company works. It is also first official declaration from Congress that Rahul ji has failed, he should tell what is his view of Parivarwadi soch?”

Here is how politicians react:

Ravi Shankar Prasad:

My good-luck to her(Priyanka). Since party is a family concern, these kinds of postings are nothing unusual, except to say with a caveat, why she has been given limited role of only Eastern UP? Perhaps her persona merited a wider role for her, says Ravi Shankar Prasad.

My good-luck to her(Priyanka). Since party is a family concern, these kinds of postings are nothing unusual, except to say with a caveat, why she has been given limited role of only Eastern UP? Perhaps her persona merited a wider role for her: @rsprasad

📸: ANI pic.twitter.com/QaCUbfjDZj

— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 23, 2019

Amarinder Singh:

The Punjab Chief Minister congratulates the Congress leaders appointed by Rahul Gandhi as in-charge of various states ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

Congratulations to @INCIndia leaders appointed by @RahulGandhi as in-charge of various states ahead of LS polls. Special congrats to Priyanka Gandhi on being appointed AICC General Secretary in-charge of UP East. Her appointment will help rejuvenate the party across the country.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) January 23, 2019

Prashant Kishor:

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: Prashant Kishor.

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.

— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) January 23, 2019