Voices in favour of Priyanka Gandhi grow stronger in Congress

New Delhi: Against the backdrop of debacle in the Lok Sabha election, voices for bringing Priyanka Gandhi to the forefront if politics grew stronger within the Congress party with at least two leaders saying on Friday she is a "big fighter" and has the "natural ability" to connect with people.

Outgoing food minister KV Thomas said there should be internal party elections in the Congress right from the booth-level.

"As a Congressman, we wish that Priyanka Gandhi should come to the main arena. She should work with mother Sonia Gandhi and brother Rahul Gandhi as a team," Thomas told PTI.

"Priyanka is a big fighter. We have seen that in this election. Many people see Indira Gandhi in her. She is able to attract the people," said Thomas, who won the Lok Sabha election from Ernakulum constituency in Kerala.

He was asked about the reasons for defeat of the Congress party in the just-concluded general elections and steps needed to be taken for revival of the party.

He insisted that Rahul should not be blamed for the debacle, saying "We work as a team. So team has to share victory as well as defeat".