New Delhi: Priyanka Vadra is finally reaching Rae Bareli on Friday but in the company of her brother Rahul Gandhi.
For Congress workers, it’s been a long wait. A party worker calls this reporter to ask, "You must be knowing. Is Priyanka ji coming? We have no idea."
It indeed has come as a surprise. Unlike in 2012 when Priyanka held about 100 rallies in both Amethi and Rae Bareli, giving headlines almost daily, brazenly taking on Narendra Modi and the BJP, this time round she is nowhere to be seen. FULL COVERAGE: Assembly Elections 2017
Sources close to Priyanka say she will go, but nothing has been finalised yet. Rae Bareli goes to polls on February 23 and Amethi on February 27. Yet, Priyanka has been conspicuous by her absence. Even if she goes, the message which has gone across is that Priyanka is campaigning much less this time.
This apart, it is felt that these elections are once again about Rahul and Akhilesh. With a tag line of ‘UP ke ladke’, a pro-active Priyanka would dilute this campaign. And many fear it would take the attention away from Rahul Gandhi as Priyanka is believed to be the more charismatic.
But behind the limited appearance of Priyanka is also the typical Congress sentiment to protect the Gandhis. Even in the case of Rahul Gandhi, initially, the attempt was to slowly and gradually introduce him. When they found this wasn't working, Rahul was thrown in at the deep end.
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