The Congress party on Wednesday sprung in a surprise with the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadras as the party's general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East. She will take over as AICC general secretary for UP East in the first week of February.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that he was happy to have Priyanka Gandhi work with him. He also hinted at a longer innings for Priyanka Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh, saying that she will not just be there for two months.
The appointment also marked Priyanka's official entry into politics, and is expected to boost morale of the party workers in the state which sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha.
There has been demands within the Congress for a prominent role for 47-year-old Priyanka, Rahul's sister, to revive the Congress in Uttar Pradesh which was a Congress bastion till mid 1980s. Priyanka, a mother of two and wife of Robert Vadra, has always confined her role in overseeing campaigning in Amethi and Raebareli, the constituencies of Rahul and mother Sonia Gandhi respectively.
Jyotiraditya Scindia was appointed AICC general secretary for UP West. The party also replaced Ashok Gehlot as AICC general secretary Organisation with K C Venugopal. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad was appointed AICC general secretary in charge of Haryana, the party said.
WHO SAID WHAT
1. Robert Vadra
In a Facebook post, Robert Vadra said: "Congratulations P...always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best'
2. Motilal Vora, Congress
The responsibility given to Priyanka ji is very important. This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions.
3. Sambit Patra, BJP
Congress has made public announcement of Rahul Gandhi's failures with this announcement. This is just a party restricted to a family.
4. Sushmita Dev, Congress
Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Ji. I thank Rahul Gandhi ji for entrusting her with an important position. I am happy as the national president of Mahila Congress to see a woman General Secretary in AICC.
5. Priyanka Chaturvedi, Congress
6. Rajeev Shukla, Congress
This will help in revival of Congress not only in Uttar Pradesh but the entire country. She will take charge after Feb 1 once she returns from abroad.
7. Sheila Dikshit, Congress
Congress will revitalise with the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as general secretary in UP West. She comes with a lot of experience.
8. Sachin Pilot, Congress
Congress will only get strengthened with Priyanka Gandhi ji's appointment.
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