New Delhi
As Priyanka Gandhi Vadra formally entered politics, the BJP saw the development as “admission” by the Congress that its chief Rahul Gandhi had “failed to deliver”. All in the BJP, including PM Narendra Modi, saw it as vindication of their belief that “the Congress is only and all about the Gandhis.”

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said it was no surprise that the Congress had coronated someone from within the family while the PM , in an apparent swipe, remarked unlike the other parties, “the BJP leadership sees the party as its family. Democratic culture and values run in BJP’s blood, unlike many others where family is the party.” He was interacting with Maharashtra BJP workers. Akali leader and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, “Priyanka is the last card the Congress could play and her entry shows Rahul has been a non-starter”. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called the appointment a “family concern”. Though the BJP believes “Mrs Vadra”, as she will expectedly be referred to, will not affect the party prospects”, sources said, adding plans were afoot to pit Union Minister Smriti Irani, who has engaged with her on several occasions, against her.

Will Priyanka queer the pitch enthuse workers and upset caste calculations, forcing the BSP and SP to negotiate with the Congress.That explains Rahul Gandhi’s remark today. “We will not play on the back foot anywhere, not in Gujarat and not in UP. We will play on the front foot wherever we can. Priyanka and Jyotiraditya are our young leaders who will change the direction of UP politics. So far as BSP and SP go, I want to say I respect Mayawati ji and Akhilesh. Our ideologies are similar and our fight is against the BJP. We are ready to cooperate with them wherever we can.”

Even if negotiations fail, Congress feels it would be in a better position to fight in UP with Priyanka as the X factor. The party has deliberately made her in-charge of eastern UP. Not only Varanasi but Gorakhpur, UP CM’s hometown, too falls in the area, besides the Gandhi pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Bareli.

That said, a Congress section remains concerned about the timing of Priyanka’s entry into politics with some calling it “a panic reaction”. Many party veterans believe Priyanka should have entered politics much earlier, not close to the polls. “The BJP attack on dynastic politics will get shriller. There will be questions on Rahul’s leadership and the the perception of twin power centres within the Congress. It remains to be seen if the appointment translates into votes,” a Congress leader said.