Priyanka’s roadshow

Days after taking over as the Congress general secretary for east Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hit the ground running with an enthusiastic roadshow in Lucknow. The euphoria rubbed off on her brother and party president Rahul Gandhi, who articulated the grand dream of a roaring comeback in the electorally strategic UP, which sends the most number of MPs (80) to the Lok Sabha. For the record, the Congress has been out of power in the state since 1989. It had managed to win just two seats in the 2014 parliamentary elections as Rahul and Sonia Gandhi held on to their pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Bareli with reduced margins.

The all-important question is: Can Priyanka reverse the party’s fortunes in UP, and that too virtually overnight? Undoubtedly, she is charismatic and has a striking resemblance to Indira Gandhi; rejuvenated party workers are even comparing her to Goddess Durga. However, her star power may not be enough to overcome the party’s organisational weaknesses in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress is banking heavily on charming ‘outsiders’ to counter the ruling BJP and the newly forged SP-BSP alliance. Royal scion Jyotiraditya Scindia is holding the charge of western UP, while state unit chief and former Agra MP Raj Babbar continues to be regarded as a film star-turned-politician rather than a grassroots leader. The party can’t afford to sideline leaders such as former Union minister Jitin Prasada and nine-time MLA Pramod Tiwari, who have pockets of influence within a politically significant community that the Congress is eyeing.

The BJP had conquered UP in 2014 as well as 2017 on the crest of the Modi wave, which now seems to be a thing of the past. Getting the caste arithmetic right holds the key to poll success. Reclaiming the Brahmin vote bank is central to the Congress’ plans, but winning over OBC and Dalit voters looks improbable. Up against formidable rivals, the party should resist the traditional temptation of putting all its eggs in the dynasty basket. Strengthening and empowering the state cadre can go a long way in helping the Congress regain ground.