Debate: Priyanka Gandhi’s Induction a Game Changer or Mere Hype?

Priyanka Gandhi’s entry into active politics is said to have a major impact on UP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Will Priyanka Gandhi make an impact in the upcoming elections?

(Photo courtesy: facebook.com/PriyankaGandhi.in)

The entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics is said to have a major impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

BloombergQuint talks to Senior Editor of Times of India, Arati Jerath; Political commentator Amitabh Tiwari and Narendra Taneja of the BJP on if this be a game changer or is Priyanka’s political entry is merely a hype? Congress spokeswoman Radhika Khera weighs in later on.

The panel talks about various issues pertaining to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s formal entry – the timing of the decision, if Priyanka will be able to make a difference, if this means a three-way fight in Uttar Pradesh, etc.

Arathi Jerath begins with saying that the Congress has taken this decision after negotiations with the SP and the BSP and only after Mayawati made it clear that she doesn’t want Congress in the alliance. She also says that it has generated huge enthusiasm in the Congress camp.

“This decision, since it came after years of requests and demands, has generated fresh energy and huge enthusiasm among the Congress camp. Priyanka will be a big talking point during this elections.”

Arathi Jerath, Journalist

BJP leader Narendra Taneja says that Congress has just made Priyanka Gandhi’s role formal close to the elections. Taneja says that since Priyanka has also been given the responsibility of Eastern UP and that is, in a way acknowledgement of the fact that Rahul Gandhi has failed as a party president.

He also said that launching a leader 60 days ahead of the elections does not make a difference since in UP, the SP, BSP and the BJP have a strong cadre, it is not possible for Priyanka to form one for Congress within 60 days.

“Even Congress used to be a Cadre based party in the 70’s but then the first family decided to demolish the cadre and convert it into a family enterprise.”

Narendra Taneja, BJP leader

When asked if it doesn't make a difference, why are their strong reactions from the BJP, he said that Mrs Vadra comes from an important family, if she joins active politics, it is bound to create a buzz.

The panel also talked about if this will weaken the SP-BSP alliance in UP and offer a sort of a relief to the BJP, since the vote will split among these two camps.

Political Commentator Amitabh Tiwari said that since the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ (grand alliance) has gone for a toss, this is bound to split the anti-BJP vote. He also said that this might be the Congress’ answer to Mayawati’s not-so-nice words for the Congress during the announcement of alliance with SP.

Congress spokesperson Radhika Khera, who was later phoned into the debate, was asked if Priyanka Gandhi will be able to make an impact. She said that since Priyanka has been working in the state for the past years, her appointment comes with experience.

“She has been made in-charge because she has been working in the state for so long. Of course she will make a difference.”

Radhika Khera, Spokeswoman, Congress

Khera also said that since the BJP doesn’t think Priyanka will make a difference, why is everyone from the BJP rattling at every opportunity they get.

“From the Prime Minister to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, everyone is making remarks about the move.”

Arati Jerath, however, said that Priyanka has been appointed as in-charge of Eastern UP. However, it is Western UP where the SP-BSP alliance is stronger, where it will give a tough fight to the BJP. However, on the east, the alliance does not have that strong hold.

“In east, the upper caste has a stronghold. How Priyanka can help is connect with those upper caste people - like the Brahmans and she can try to recreate that old alliance that made Congress win 2009,” she said.

“The battle lines in UP are not firmly drawn yet.”

Arati Jerath