Appeals to field Priyanka in Lok Sabha polls gain ground

After Rahul Gandhi, will his sister Priyanka enter active politics by contesting the coming Lok Sabha elections? At least six district units from Uttar Pradesh have appealed to the Congress leadership for fielding Priyanka in the elections.

Describing the demands as spontaneous and reflective of the love and affection enjoyed by her in the party, the AICC, however, has said that Priyanka has to give the consent first. "Whenever we go to the people, they ask us why don't you ask Priyanka to contest elections," AICC media department chief M Veerappa Moily told reporters here. "She is a youth icon along with Rahul Gandhi," Moily said when asked whether Priyanka has an appeal with the country's youth.

"This will (Priyanka contesting elections) definitely help the party and the country," he noted. UPCC chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, however, said Priyanka was "not interested in electoral politics yet" and therefore she has not forwarded the resolutions from several districts to the AICC.

Thirty-five-year-old Priyanka had campaigned for her mother and brother extensively in Rae Bareily and Amethi in the last Lok Sabha election and is known for her spontaneous rapport with the masses. "Fifty five percent of the country's population comprises youth. Today and tomorrow belong to the youth," Moily said, adding "there is a visible desire of the people to have her in politics."