Team News Riveting
New Delhi, December 28
If family’s attendance at the Congress’ foundation day celebration is any indication, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra seems to be preparing for a bigger role in the grand old party.
She denoted the family at the party’s 136th foundation day celebration held at its headquarters in Delhi today.
The other two members, who had been dominating and controlling the party affairs, were missing. While Sonia Gandhi has been avoiding attending public events, Rahul Gandhi flew off abroad left on a short personal visit on Sunday.
Senior leader A K Antony unfurled the flag at the AICC headquarters in the presence of senior leaders.
“There could have been 101 reasons for his absence. We don’t want to speculate. If he took a call it must be for a valid reason… Priyanka ji is here,” Salman Khurshid told the reporters, speaking about Mr Gandhi.
The family is under pressure after some of the senior Congress leaders stirred the political cauldron by advocating for a major revamp in the party structure. The development was seen as a direct challenge to the Gandhi family.
Interestingly, the “letter-writers” were prominently present during the foundation day celebration today. They included Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand besides Sachin Pilot who raised a revolt against the family’s trusted Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Priyanka had earlier reiterated that she was not keen to take over reins of the party and Rahul was her leader.
On the occasion of the foundation day, the All India Congress Committee urged members to organise ‘Tiranga Yatra’ and other “innovative campaigns” while following all Covid-19 protocols.