The BJP will try to contain Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi and Rae Bareli.
In June 2013, Amit Shah was made the BJP’s general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. Within a year, he earned his spurs as the saffron party won its biggest Lok Sabha mandate in the state, helping Narendra Modi to prime ministership. Shah established himself as a master strategist. Five years on, the Congress has taken its rivals and allies by surprise by bringing in Priyanka Gandhi as general secretary with oversight of the strategically important eastern Uttar Pradesh.
It was a leaf from the BJP’s book: an element of secrecy coupled with a move that signalled it was ready for a tough fight. The initial reactions from BJP leaders either mocked Priyanka or lashed out at her dynastic roots. But, the party will be moving strategically to counter her.
“Her entry will benefit us. If she gathers steam, she will eat into the votes of the BSP-SP combine,” said a top BJP leader. However, the real trouble for the BJP may come if the Congress is somehow included in the grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh.
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