Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses ‘Nyay Sankalp Sabha’ for the Lok Sabha elections, in Banaskantha district on May 4. (Image: PTI)
As Rahul Gandhi moves to Raebareli replacing mother Sonia Gandhi and Amethi is left to a family loyalist, question comes up again about when the younger Gandhi sibling – seen as more charismatic – will finally have her name on the EVM
Eyes flashing with anger, a way with words and a lot of emotional anecdotes thrown in: perhaps this is why Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s speeches seem to sting the BJP more than all of the Congress leaders put together.
It is also why many in the grand old party compare her to her formidable grandmother and former prime minister Indira Gandhi. But, apart from her looks and the saris they both share, Priyanka Gandhi knows the power of using the media and playing to the gallery.
She is a delight for the journalists, always ready to speak or flash a smile. For many party leaders, she is also far more accessible than her brother and MP Rahul Gandhi. This is why the niggling question arises – what and who is stopping her from taking the poll plunge?
Not the right time
There are many reasons behind this. Party insiders said it is no more than a matter of fate that each time she comes close to taking the plunge, something or the other has intervened to say now is not the right time. It is this delay, which has given the BJP a chance to take potshots at the Congress and accuse Rahul Gandhi of being an obstacle in his sister’s way.
Especially so when he was chosen to contest from Raebareli on grounds that it is a legacy that has passed onto him. The BJP asked the question – why him and not her? Why not both? The Congress is yet to come out with a convincing reply.
Crisis manager, time and again
What makes it even more intriguing is the fact that Priyanka has been the crisis manager as well as the trump card in terms of campaigning. When the Rajasthan “rebellion” showed no signs of ebbing, it was she who stepped in and ensured that Sachin Pilot was placated and encouraged to remain active.
Pilot has shared a good equation with Priyanka, which is why while most of the young leaders have quit the party, he is still one of the most in-demand campaigners for the Congress across India. Sources said she has assured him that things will turn.
Then the Himachal Pradesh crisis: when it seemed that chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu’s days were numbered, she only asked one question to the MLAs – ‘What guarantee is there that the governor will call for the formation of a Congress government?’ They soon fell in line and Sukhu survived.
She again had to step in when the BJP fielded Kangana Ranaut from Mandi Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal. The Congress calculated that the best person to take her on would be Vikramaditya Singh, who was not keen and was cold to the party leadership like his mother Pratibha Singh. But, Priyanka swung it for the party again.
Rivalry between ‘Team Rahul’ and ‘Team Priyanka’?
‘Why not Priyanka’ – this is the baffling question. Even her worst critics accept that she has more impact than Rahul when it comes to attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her gender and ease with words give her that edge.
A mix of charisma, enigma, smile and frost gave her mother Sonia Gandhi that edge and many find the same qualities in her. But, that is where it stops. The fact is that the Congress has a dearth of aggressive campaigners who can match the prime minister’s prowess except Priyanka.
Insiders and many who have left the party talk about a rivalry between ‘Team Priyanka’ and ‘Team Rahul’. As someone who was her protege, Acharya Pramod Krishnam said: “Those considered close to her or are favoured are sidelined. Many face flak. She is known for her temper and has blocked many Congress leaders who have not listened to her.”
It is a known fact that Priyanka is keen on active politics. She stayed away earlier as her children were young. When she took the plunge, she wanted to go the whole way. But, Rahul always comes first. Each time he has failed to improve Congress fortunes, there have been demands to bring in Priyanka. But, this is precisely why she has not been sent for.
A senior Congress leader said: “Priyanka can’t rise on the failure of Rahul Gandhi.”
A long wait
So, does this mean her chance will never come? No, it will. It is clear that the Gandhi siblings trust only each other the most. It is just a matter of time before Priyanka takes the poll plunge. Possibly to step in from Wayanad or Raebareli, in case Rahul wins from both and has to give up one.
For Priyanka to step into Rahul’s shoes, she has to succeed to ensure that the Congress performs well and that, too, could be a long wait.
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