Several reports emerged that Priyanka is giving serious thought to suggestions from a set of leaders that she contest from Varanasi as a consensus Opposition candidate.
As reports emerged that Congress wants its Uttar Pradesh general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest Varanasi Lok Sabha seat against PM Modi, sources said a set of leaders had suggested that she take on another tall leader from and contest from Gandhinagar instead.
On Saturday, several reports emerged that Priyanka is giving serious thought to suggestions from a set of leaders that she contest from Varanasi as a consensus Opposition candidate. It remains unclear whether she will agree. Sources said it is up to Gandhis to take a final call.
Party leaders told DNA that a set of leaders, who had earlier worked with the office of party president Rahul Gandhi and had since moved on to working in his sister's team, had suggested that she consider taking on BJP president Amit Shah instead. However, with the last date of filing of nominations of Gandhinagar, which goes to the polls in the third phase, being over by April 4, the likelihood of that is now over.
One of the party's leaders from UP said Priyanka, being the general secretary from the state, is unlikely to contest. "It is true she has roots in the state, but usually a general secretary in charge of any state does not contest from there," said the leader, dismissing reports of her opting Varanasi.
Another possibility, a second leader said, was that Priyanka will eventually contest from the Amethi seat once her brother wins from both seats. "This will be a good six months later though, because the family pocket borough will not be given up, and giving up Wayanad does not make sense," said the leader.
Party workers also hinted at a dismal turnout in Varanasi during her boat ride. "In some areas, barely 1,000 Congress workers turned up, disappointing her quite a bit. There's no reason why she will contest from here," said another leader.
CONG’S NEW LIST
Congress on Saturday declared 18 more LS candidates for three States – 6 from Haryana, 9 from UP and 3 from MP. The party has fielded former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Kumari Selja from Ambala in Haryana. It has fielded Haryana PCC president Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa seat, in Rohtak it nominated sitting MP Deepender Singh Hooda, son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
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