The Congress is hoping that Priyanka Gandhi’s resemblance to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the goodwill that the Gandhi family enjoys in parts of Uttar Pradesh will translate into votes (“Rahul appoints Priyanka as Congress general secretary”, Jan. 24). Ms. Vadra’s campaign can be expected to make some impact on the women vote bank. However, her appointment has given yet another opportunity to the BJP to allege that the Congress promotes dynastic politics. She also carries with her the baggage of Robert Vadra, who is facing corruption charges. The U.P. polls will determine not only the party’s prospects this general election but also Ms. Vadra’s career to an extent.
S.V. Venkatakrishnan,
Bengaluru
It is unfortunate that the Congress used its dynastic card to change the course of the political game in U.P. That it does not mind splitting the anti-BJP vote in order to salvage its prestige speaks about its delusions about being the nation’s natural choice for forming government. But the arrival of Priyanka Gandhi will neither change the SP-BSP’s stand nor will it enthuse the voters who have no emotional connect with a politician who appears before them once in five years.
V.N. Mukundarajan,
Thiruvananthapuram
The appointment of Priyanka Gandhi provides an additional blow to the BJP, which already seems to be rather jittery. That so many BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, have commented on her entry proves this.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
Priyanka Gandhi’s appointment is a shot in the arm for the Congress, but it might diminish the aura reserved for Rahul Gandhi in the party. The party can benefit from this, however, if dual power centres are successfully avoided.
Ayyasseri Raveendranath,
Aranmula
This is a clear example of nepotism. Priyanka Gandhi may have taken decisions for the party in the past, but that surely does not mean she deserves to be general secretary? As usual the Congress has failed to recognise party leaders who have worked hard and who have experience. One can only hope that Robert Vadra too isn’t given some important role.
Sirat Sapra,
Fazilka
