Priyanka, Rahul in Cong, may contest

In the softest of soft launches, the Congress conceded that Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi were primary members of the party, leaving no doubt in the minds of Congressmen that either the brother, the sister or both would contest the forthcoming elections.

The announcement was almost a political whisper. Yesterday, Congress general secretary Abhishek Singhvi had said Rahul and Priyanka were "the Congress members since their birth" but were yet to join the party, evading a direct answer to reporters on why Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi's two children were touring Amethi so intensively if they were not committed to the party even to the extent of becoming primary members.

Congress spokesman Anand Sharma, while replying to questions, admitted that both Rahul and Priyanka were primary members "but we will let you know the details of when they joined the party, later". "Historically, they are in the party and technically, yes, they are primary members," he said

"Why else would a clarification be required if it was not their intention to contest the elections," asked a Congress leader.

Party circles are abuzz with speculation that while Rahul may contest the Amethi or Raebareli seat, Priyanka might fight the Lok Sabha elections from Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka.

Party leaders who are in touch with the duo say Priyanka is projecting a deeply political appeal during her tour of Amethi, her mother and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's Lok Sabha constituency.

"The visit was short but very good and fruitful," Priyanka told reporters in Amethi before leaving for Lucknow on her way to New Delhi.

The two went door-to-door in almost every village of the Amethi parliamentary constituency talking to people, enquiring about their problems and development work in their areas to feel the pulse of people.

They also assessed the development work being carried out in the constituency and sent Congress workers in poll mode by asking them to gear up for the Lok Sabha elections.

"Work hard so that the Congress can register a massive victory in Uttar Pradesh," Priyanka told party workers at the Munshiganj guest house, where the two were staying.

Priyanka also reviewed the work carried out by the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust at the Bahadurpur block in Jais and also went to see Sripal Chamar, a Dalit, who was allegedly beaten by the henchmen of a local BJP legislator recently.

Driving through the dusty road at Jamoria village, she went to the house of Sukhram Yadav, her cook in 10 Janpath, to enquire about his family's well-being.

Though their visit was not publicised by the party nor were there any banners or posters, they evoked a good response despite rain, with people turning out in large numbers.

Priyanka gave directions to the party workers and asked them to work hard to ensure an impressive victory for the Congress in UP. Her personal rapport with the villagers was obvious.

She moved from one shop to another buying hairpins for herself and a whistle for her son and also did not miss the sweetmeat shop in Amethi where Rajiv Gandhi used to savour "jalebi".

"Priyanka should join politics and lead the UP Congress committee," said Mohammad Iqbal, a former Congress legislator.

"If the Congress can manage UP, no one will be able to stop Sonia Gandhi from becoming the next Prime Minister," he felt.