Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to spearhead Congress' Uttar Pradesh poll campaign

Congress president Soniya Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will be the star campaigner for the party in the first phase of the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress has prepared a list of 40 senior leaders that also include party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Raj Babbar, Sheila Dikshit, Ahmed Patel and Sachin Pilot.

Senior leaders believe that Priyanka's presence will give confidence and energy not only to the Congress workers but also to the people across the state.

Read | Priyanka Gandhi meets Ghulam Nabi Azad, fuels speculation about her role in UP polls

In the past, Priyanka has not campaigned in elections outside Amethi and Raebareli Lok Sabha constituencies, represented by her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia Gandhi respectively.

The Congress has joined hands with the ruling Samajwadi Party to fight the polls in the politically crucial state.

#Congress releases list of campaigners for upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly Polls; #PriyankaGandhi also on the list pic.twitter.com/o6wv3iVeWc

— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 24, 2017

The alliance was sealed on January 22 following a bitter round of negotiations over seat-sharing formula between the two parties following which the Congress has agreed on 105 seats whereas SP will fight elections on 298 seats.

Read | Priyanka Gandhi will play 'major role' in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections: Congress