Priyanka played instrumental role in alliance with SP, says Congress

New Delhi: The Congress party on Monday accepted that Priyanka Gandhi played an active role in setting up a pre-poll alliance between Congress and Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

Congress, however, refrained from speaking about any future role Priyanka could play in the party in near future.

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Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar accepted that Priyanka who has only been campaigning for Congress in Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by her brother Rahul Gandhi and mother Sonia respectively, had a huge role to play along with senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in setting up a pre-poll alliance with Samajwadi Party.

Kumar added that Priyanka was following the instructions given by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, "who is authorised to assign a role to any of the party workers."

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"Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been campaigning for Congress in two parliamentary constituencies - Amethi and Rae Bareli - purely out of her will and the party respects that," Kumar said.

"In regard to the UP elections, Rahul Gandhi urged Ghulam Nabi Azad and Priyanka Gandhi to set up a pre-poll alliance of progressive, like-minded parties," he added.

On being asked what role Priyanka would play if the alliance comes to power in the state, Congress leader said, "The Congress party workers and people of the state are eager to see her play a bigger role in the state. If anything in this regard happens, we will notify you immediately."

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According to the Congress sources, Priyanka played an important role in bringing Navjot Singh Sidhu in the party fold.

He further added that a 'wonderful' alliance has been set up despite many not wanting this to happen.