As per speculations in media, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is all set to assume the responsibility of UP in-charge for the Congress party.
Priyanka was the Congress general secretary for UP during the 2019 general elections, along with Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Speculative media reports are doing the rounds that the Congress party has reportedly decided to select Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the full-in charge of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. This comes at a time when there are reports that another party stalwart, who was once considered a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia had allegedly offered his resignation.
Scindia was selected the UP-west in charge and Priyanka was selected UP-east in charge before the 2019 General elections. However, Congress suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in its history after it managed to score only 1 seat out of the total 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. It had contested on 67 seats and lost deposits on 63 seats.
In the aftermath of the poll loss, Priyanka Gandhi was seen discussing with the local Congress leaders analysing about the reasons for Congress’ poll debacle and the possible way forward for the party in their aim to win 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, on the other hand, had shown signs of rebellion after the government abrogated Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. In contrast to Congress party’s stand, which echoed Pakistan’s view, Scindia had welcomed the decision and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is and has always been an integral part of India.
Scindia was cast aside by the party’s top leadership and Kamal Nath was chosen to be the chief minister last year after Congress formed government in Madhya Pradesh. The Scindia faction of supporters and party workers have been at loggerheads with the Kamal Nath faction on multiple occasions.
Another controversy had developed when Jyotiraditya Scindia was claimed to have given an ultimatum to the party that he will resign if not made Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) head. Today, he said, “People are objecting. You can ask them about it. Whatever decision Congress High Command takes, I will follow it”. Last week on Friday, Scindia had issued an ultimatum that he would resign if not made the MPCC chief within 10 days. He had also skipped Priyanka Gandhi’s meeting which was scheduled on Friday.
With Scindia’s role diminishing in the party, there also have been media speculations that he might jump the sinking ship as his aspirations are being suppressed under the hegemony of dynasty politics that dominates Congress. Will Scindia toe the line and tolerate being sidelined, or he will be the rare rebel voice that finally demands what he deserves, remains to be seen.
