Even as the Congress leadership was not able to make up its mind on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral debut from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BSP-SP alliance has announced its candidate, thus throwing up the possibility of a three-cornered contest. The Samajwadi Party has fielded Shalini Yadav.
Last month during a poll meeting, Priyanka had quipped; ‘How about (contesting from) Varanasi?’ which triggered the speculation that she might be fielded from Varanasi. When she was brought in as Congress general secretary and was made the in-charge of the eastern UP, there was an impression that she would take the electoral plunge.
Many political observers had suggested that pitting Priyanka against PM Modi would have sent a powerful message, though chances of her victory were grim. If it is a three-cornered fight, she may not be able to give a good fight as the Congress doesn’t have an organisation at the grassroot level.
A Congress leader told Indus Scrolls that the party would take a call soon on Priyanka’s candidature. “The party is weighing options,” he said. However, he admitted that delay in taking crucial decisions is hurting the party.
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