The Congress party's decision to appoint Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the chairperson of its candidate screening committee for the upcoming Assam assembly elections has ignited fresh speculation about leadership dynamics within the grand old party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swiftly seized upon the move, alleging it reveals an internal conflict between the Gandhi siblings.
BJP Alleges Sibling Rivalry, Congress Hits Back
Following the announcement of Priyanka Gandhi's elevation on Sunday, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed a long-standing division exists between supporters of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. He asserted that pressure from within the party to "Remove Rahul, bring Priyanka" is growing, and even allies lack trust in Rahul Gandhi's leadership.
The Janata Dal (United) also commented, with its spokesperson Neeraj Kumar suggesting that Rahul Gandhi's frequent foreign travels have necessitated shifting responsibilities to Priyanka. He noted that while this is an internal Congress matter, the question arises about who handles crucial election work when Rahul is abroad.
The Congress has formally and strongly rejected these claims, dismissing them as "manufactured propaganda." Senior leaders have rallied to explain the decision, framing it as a routine organizational assignment based on Priyanka Gandhi's capabilities.
Congress Defends Decision, Cites Priyanka's Track Record
Congress MP Tariq Anwar told IANS that this is not the first such responsibility for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He recalled her role as an ex-officio member of the screening committee during the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and her tenure as the general secretary in charge of the state. Anwar expressed confidence in a Congress comeback in Assam, leveraging her political experience.
"Priyanka Gandhi has been serving as general secretary for the past five years. She has been given organisational responsibilities from time to time and has worked across the country. Therefore, the notion propagated by the BJP is incorrect," he stated firmly.
Congress leader Udit Raj also defended the appointment, highlighting Priyanka Gandhi's "wide influence and experience." He emphasized that she will oversee election strategy and candidate selection in Assam, a role for which she is well-prepared.
The Rahul Gandhi Paradox and Priyanka's Rising Profile
The development comes amid a complex phase for Rahul Gandhi. His position strengthened significantly after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where Congress won 99 seats and he secured the post of Leader of the Opposition. However, subsequent assembly election losses in states like Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and notably Bihar—where Congress won only 6 out of 243 seats—have tempered that momentum.
Concurrently, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has visibly expanded her role beyond that of an occasional campaigner. As a first-time MP from Wayanad, she took a leading role during the Winter Session of Parliament, aggressively challenging the government on various issues and leading opposition walkouts. Her visible interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cross-party leaders at the Speaker's tea meeting also marked a notable public presence.
Internal Whispers and the Road Ahead
Though no formal resolution has been passed, whispers within the party advocating for a larger role for Priyanka Gandhi have grown louder, especially after successive electoral setbacks. Figures like former MP Abhijit Mukherjee, former Union minister Anil Shastri, former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim, and MP Imran Masood have openly called for her to assume a greater central role, even suggesting positions like party president or national face.
The specific assignment in Assam is significant. The Congress aims to wrest the state from the BJP, which won 60 seats with a 33.6% vote share in the 2021 elections against Congress's 29 seats and 30% vote share. Priyanka's involvement is seen as a strategic move to counter the BJP's campaign led by Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Ultimately, while the appointment fuels discussions on leadership and strategy, the final verdict will come from the voters of Assam. The outcome of the state elections later this year could play a pivotal role in shaping not just the state's future but also the future trajectory of the Congress leadership and the roles of the Gandhi siblings within it.
