Congress repeats Karnataka, Himachal in Rajasthan by making Priyanka lead the show

Jaipur, Oct 24 (IANS) Congress is repeating Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh strategy in Rajasthan by making Priyanka Gandhi lead the show. She will hold the third Congress' meeting in Rajasthan on Wednesday.

Sources said that just before the assembly elections in Rajasthan, Priyanka Gandhi's role in Congress has changed.

This time Priyanka is being given more chances to address gathering than her brother Rahul: she will be holding her third meeting on Wednesday, Congress has changed the strategy as it wants to repeat the Karnataka-Himachal experiment in Rajasthan.

Priyanka addressed public meetings in Niwai (Tonk) on September 10 and in Sikrai (Dausa) on October 20. Now she will address the gathering by unveiling the statue of former Union Minister Shishram Ola at Aradavata (Jhunjhunu) on October 25.

One of the arguments behind the change in role is that in the last one year, Priyanka has played a special role in the two states where Congress has succeeded in wresting power from the BJP, these are Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.

Rahul Gandhi could not go to Himachal Pradesh being busy with Bharat Jodo Yatra, hence the entire campaign was handled by Priyanka Gandhi. In Karnataka, Priyanka was the biggest star campaigner of Congress as well.

Congress leaders said that "Demand is coming for Priyanka from every seat of the state. It will be our endeavour to organise her meetings on maximum seats."

"People take her words and promises seriously. The promises she made to the people of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh recently were fulfilled as soon as the government was formed. This is her reputation. The general public is connecting directly with her."

According to Congress sources, all the party leaders are trying to organise Priyanka's meetings in their areas. Once the tickets for all the seats are finalised, a special programme will be made for this at the party level.