Priyanka Gandhi looking beyond Amethi

New Delhi: The talk of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a “natural leader” of the Congress is refusing to die down in party circles at a time when the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has virtually declared the son Rahul is her heir apparent.

Family loyalist Makhan Lal Fotedar is not the only leader who has quoted late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi saying Priyanka could be her political heir, according to a section of the media but another loyalist had said late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi too felt there was political potential in her.

If party insiders are to be believed, Priyanka has started taking interest in the organisation and has begun expanding her role beyond Amethi and Rai Bareli, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi’s respective Lok Sabha seats. Party insiders feel Priyanka is more political, understands political events and language in depth, and suggest that the party could be safe in her hands.

The talk of “bring Priyanka” has began at a time when Rahul loyalists in the party have become impatient to get positions in the organisation merely on the basis of younger age than their capacity to deliver.

Seniors are comfortable with Priyanka, viewing that she can take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and regional parties which are blocking the Congress’ march to regain lost ground. According to CWC sources, Mr Fotedar has been pleading for a bigger role for Priyanka in the party.