Gandhis’ strong links with Karnataka may bring Priyanka Gandhi here for campaigning

BENGALURU: Can newly appointed Congress general secretary (UP East incharge) Priyanka Gandhi Vadra weave the magic down South, especially in Karnataka?

Notwithstanding the fact that Priyanka will be tied up with electioneering in Uttar Pradesh with possibilities of her making a debut from her mother Sonia Gandhi’s constituency Raebareli being high, Congress leaders in Karnataka say she’ll campaign in the state too. UP chief minister Adityanath’s district Gorakhpur and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi also fall in UP East.

“The Gandhi family has strong links

with Karnataka

and it is one state which has stood by the party in times of all political adversities,” sources said.

Priyanka’s last visit for campaigning was two decades ago, when battle royale was fought between her mother Sonia and BJP’s Sushma Swaraj for Ballari Lok Sabha seat. Priyanka’s marked resemblance to her grandmother, former PM Indira Gandhi in her mannerisms and attire drew a large number of women in Ballari assembly segments.

“Priyanka’s entry will definitely help the Congress in a big way. People in Karnataka are fond of Indira Gandhi, who got a political rebirth from Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha seat. In 1977, when all states voted against the Congress, Karnataka stood by the party,’’ political analyst Mahadev Prakash said.

According to Prakash, the Congress which improved its vote share from 35% in 2008 to 38% in the 2018 assembly polls is set to add another 3% with Priyanka’s campaigning. “Voters are done with the old faces and a fresh face is the need of the hour,” he said.

Congress functionary Nivedith Alva, whose family shares a long association with the Gandhis, said: “After the win in assembly polls in three states, the party is now facing the Lok Sabha polls with its best foot forward. While AICC president Rahul Gandhi connects with all sections, Priyanka will draw women voters. Her presence will be a novelty value.”

RDPR minister Krishna Byregowda and party MLC Rizwan Arshad said Priyanka does have a certain appeal and the combination of Rahul-Priyanka will enthuse party workers here.

The BJP, which has dubbed her entry as continuation of dynasty politics, does not dispute that Priyanka is a crowd-puller. “By the time Priyanka understands the nuances of electoral politics, the polls will be over,” BJP MP PC Mohan said.


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