New Delhi:
After years of speculation, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra finally entered active politics on Wednesday as she was appointed the Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. Jyotiraditya Scindia was appointed the general secretary for Uttar Pradesh West. Congress president Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Gandhi, 47, has always confined her role in politics to the constituencies of her brother Rahul and mother Sonia Gandhi, Amethi and Raebareli, till now. Her appointment is a key development because Uttar Pradesh, the biggest state in the Lok Sabha with 80 seats, is likely to see a triangular contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, Samajwadi-Party-Bahujan Samaj Party combine and Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Also, the fact that Prime Minister Narendra and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath both hold constituencies in eastern UP, makes the job tougher for Priyanka.
There were some other organisational changes within the party as well.
KC Venugopal has replaced Ashok Gehlot as AICC general secretary (organisation) with immediate effect. He will continue with his role as AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka. On the other hand, Ghulam Nabi Azad will be in-charge of Haryana.
INC COMMUNIQUE
— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) January 23, 2019
Appointment of General Secretaries for All India Congress Committee. pic.twitter.com/zHENwt6Ckh
"Hon'ble Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi has appointed Shri K C Venugopal as AICC General Secretary (organisation) with immediate effect He will continue in his role as AICC General Secretary In-Charge for Karnataka. The note reads - The Party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ashok Gehlot as AICC General Secretary (Organisation). Hon'ble Congress President has also appointed Smt Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as AICC General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. She will be taking charge with effect on first week of February 2019. Hon'ble Congress President has also appointed Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia as AICC General Secretary for Uttar Pradesh West with immediate effect. The Party appreciates the contribution of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad as AICC General Secretary of Uttar Pradesh He will now be AICC General Secretary for Haryana with immediate effect," read the Congress press release.
Here is how political leaders react on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's appointment as AICC general secretary:
Tejashwi Yadav:
Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Ji on her appointment as General Secretary. A good decision by CP Rahul Gandhi Ji.We wholeheartedly welcome her entry in active politics. Her appointment will not only energise youth and cadre but motivate 50% female population of India in politics, says Tejashwi Yadav.
Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Ji on her appointment as General Secretary.A good decision by CP @RahulGandhi Ji.We wholeheartedly welcome her entry in active politics. Her appointment will not only energise youth & cadre but motivate 50% female population of India in politics
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) January 23, 2019
Navjot Singh Sidhu:
This is a boon for me... everyone in the Congress is thrilled and inspired by the good news... it is a shot in the arm... the catalyst that will galvanise the party and infuse fresh spirits in our veins, says the Punjab Cabinet Minister.
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
