Though the opposing parties have vocally criticised Congress for taking dynasty politics a notch up, there is a wave of undeniable apprehension among them. While some are calling it as Congress’ trump card, others are terming it an indication of Rahul Gandhi’s failure as Congress leader.
BJP’s ally in Maharashtra Shiv Sena too has called the move as “Congress’ masterstroke.” Sena has compared Priyanka Gandhi to her grandmother and former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sena’s spokesperson Manisha Kayande said: “When voters will step out to cast votes in the Lok Sabha elections, they will see an image of Indira Gandhi in Priyanka, this will benefit the party.”
Priyanka who bears strong resemblances to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in features and in tempo, has always been considered as a strong leader who has succeeded in evoking emotional support from people.
A number of BJP leaders have come forward to slam Congress for Priyanka’s appointment as party’s secretary general for UP East. Even Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday said that democracy runs in the BJP's veins while in many other cases, family comprises the party. In an apparent reference to Priyanka Gandhi, who has been appointed a Congress general secretary and made in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, Modi said in the BJP, decisions are not taken on the wishes of a person or family. "In our party, decisions are taken on the basis of what party workers want," he said.
Leaders like Sambit Patra and Smriti Irani have termed the move as Congress’ formal announcement of Rahul Gandhi’s “failure” as a leader. Patra said, it was natural that Congress had to "coronate" somebody from within the family. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has projected the Lok Sabha elections as a battle between "naamdar" (dynasts) and "kaamdar" (those who have worked).
Priyanka Gandhi will taek charge in the first week of February.