Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

Ending years of fevered speculation, Gandhi family scion Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics on Wednesday with her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi appointing her as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, which also comprises Lok Sabha seats of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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Ending years of fevered speculation, Gandhi family scion Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics on Wednesday with her brother and Congress president Rahul Gandhi appointing her as general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, which also comprises Lok Sabha seats of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"No decision in our party is based on who belongs to which family or what a certain family wants. And that is why it is said that in most cases, family is party, but for the BJP, party is the family," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"UP is central to building a new hope filled and compassionate India. The new UP AICC team lead by Priyanka and Jyotiraditya, will herald the dawn of a new kind of politics in the state. We will offer the youth in UP a dynamic new platform to transform the state," said Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"Welcome Priyanka Gandhi to the rough and tumble of politics. She brings with her the grace of Gandhi Nehru lineage and her immense personal charm. Wish her the best. Could she become the Xfactor of 2019 poll battle?, said PDP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"I congratulate Ms Priyanka Gandhi for her new role in the @INCIndia as AICC general secretary in charge of the Uttar Pradesh(East). I welcome her decision to join active politics," Karnataka Chief Minister and JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy tweeted.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"Congratulations to Priyanka Gandhi Ji on her appointment as General Secretary.A good decision by CP @RahulGandhi Ji.We wholeheartedly welcome her entry in active politics. Her appointment will not only energise youth & cadre but motivate 50% female population of India in politics," RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav tweeted.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"Priyanka Gandhi furthered the legacy of Gandhi Congress Pvt Limited and officially becomes the General Secretary of @INCIndia. It is also the first official declaration from congress that they don't have trust in Rahul Gandhi's leadership," Union Minister JP Nadda tweeted.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"Since for Congress, the party is a family concern, these kinds of postings are nothing unusual except to say with the caveat as to why she has been given the role of incharge of only eastern UP. Perhaps her persona narrates a much wider role for her," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi," JDU vice president Prashant Kishor tweeted.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"This is a boon for me... everyone in the Congress is thrilled and inspired by the good news... it is a shot in the arm... the catalyst that will galvanise the party and infuse fresh spirits in our veins," Punjab Minister and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted.

Congress plays its trump card as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes political plunge

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"Expected, to promote dynasty is what Congress is all about. They consider family as the party while BJP considers party as the family. Congress has accepted that Rahul Gandhi Ji has failed," BJP leader Sambit Patra said on Priyanka Gandhi's appointment.