Road To Resurgence

Priyanka storms into Lucknow, but will the initial enthusiasm translate into votes?

- Ajay Uprety

After being relegated to the political margins for decades, Nehru Bhawan, the headquarters of the Uttar Pradesh Congress, wore a festive look on February 11. Marigold flowers, festoons and buntings covered every inch of the historic building located in the Mall Avenue, a posh Lucknow locality. And, slogans by zealous Congressmen waiting for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to take charge as general secretary in charge of eastern UP rented the air, “Priyanka Gandhi aayi hai, BJP ghabrayi hai (Priyanka Gandhi has come, and the BJP is scared)”.

The Congress is sensing a chance to return to the political mainstream of Uttar Pradesh after nearly three decades. Priyanka’s formal entry, which started with a roadshow with her brother, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, has visibly enthused party workers. The brother-sister team took the same bus on which Rahul Gandhi had campaigned for the assembly elections in Punjab, leading the Congress to a massive victory. During the roadshow, which went on for four and a half hours, Priyanka did not make a formal speech, a task she left to her brother. The silence was possibly strategic, as her husband, Robert Vadra, is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.

Meraz Ali, a veteran Congress leader, said Priyanka’s presence would make a difference. “Her grand entry in Lucknow and her roadshow have made workers and masses enthusiastic like never before. People see Indira Gandhi in her.’’ Another Congress leader, Imran Khan, said Priyanka’s charisma would work wonders in the Lok Sabha elections. “No one will be able to touch the Congress,” he said.