Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
In the world of politics where there are no permanent relations, but only permanent interests, the special bond between Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is enviable.
A day after the world celebrated Siblings day and on a day that stands to mark the final test of nerve between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- the Lok Sabha polls commenced today with the onset of first phase of polling, we analyse what it takes to be a committed brother-sister duo.
Rahul and Priyanka have often been seen standing together and supporting each other through thick and thin -- be it their personal life or politics.
Priyanka is one-and-a-half years younger than Rahul, but has always appeared to be the 'quintessential older sibling' -- who is responsible, has a mature sense of humour and wit, and who is deeply 'protective' of her brother.
Priyanka is more reserved of the two. She listens more, and stays in the background. But only until Rahul doesn't need her support. When he does, she is all there for him.
Priyanka accompanied Rahul to Wayanad, Kerala, when he filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha election 2019, on April 4.
While requesting people of Wayanad to shower their love and support to Rahul, she tweeted-- "My brother, my truest friend, and by far the most courageous man I know. Take care of him Wayanad, he won't let you down."
Rahul, on the other hand, interacts more, and is more curious and perhaps, more expressive.
The Congress chief described Priyanka as his 'best friend' while interacting with Pune students in April, 2019.
"My sister has been my friend and we understand each other well. If there is a situation of argument, sometimes she backs off and sometimes I do," Rahul said, adding, "we have been through life together."
Priyanka also accompanied Rahul when he filed his nomination from Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Priyanka, along with her husband Robert Vadra and children Miraya and Reihan, participiated in a road show in Amethi.
Talking of her husband Robert Vadra, that he has been embroiled in a slew of money laundering cases is no secret; Rahul has always served as a pillar of support and strength to the couple.
For years, Priyanka helped manage elections for her brother and mother, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, in their own constituencies, but was reluctant to get into politics herself.
So, recently, when Priyanka entered into active politics, Rahul rallied for her on Twitter and on the field and led her cheer squad.
In the run-up to the general election that started on Thursday, Priyanka spent hours campaigning in cars, trucks and even a boat, to woo voters in northern Uttar Pradesh. The charm of the sibling duo surely and certainly worked on the thousands of people who regularly turned up for their rallies and road shows.
But whether or not the two have been successful in casting their magic on the voters in its entirety -- we shall wait till May 23.
