Sheila Dikshit ready to be Congress' CM face for UP polls: report

New Delhi: Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who was being considered as Congress’ Chief Ministerial face for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, has reportedly accepted to be at the helm of affairs if the party comes to power in the state.

According to a NDTV report, 78-year-old Sheila Dikhit has confirmed that she is a top contender for the post and called herself Uttar Pradesh's ‘bahu’ (daughter-in-law).

"If the party wants me to do something, I will," Diskhit said.

However, only a week back she had expressed her reluctance to be the Chief Ministerial face for Uttar Pradesh after reports emerged that Prashant Kishor, who is Congress' strategist for the polls had suggested that she should be projected as their CM candidate owing to the fact that she is a Brahmin and would help win upper caste votes.

Read: Priyanka Gandhi campaigning across UP will greatly benefit us: Congress

Prashant Kishor is credited to be the force behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful campaign during the run-up to the 2014 general elections and was also the campaign strategist for Nitish Kumar during the Bihar polls in 2015.

The Congress is also hoping to bank on Priyanka Gandhi’s personality to woo voters in the State and she is expected to campaign for them in different parts of the state.

Many Congress leaders want Priyanka to get a significant role in the party, however there is no confirmation on whether she will be leading their poll campaign in UP.

Congress leader PL Punia said Uttar Pradesh in-charge and party general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad has clearly stated that he wants Priyanka's role to be expanded.

"Azad has said that Priyanka Gandhi's role which was limited to Amethi and Rae Bareilly will be expanded soon. She is an influential personality and if she campaigns it will be beneficial for us," Punia said.

According to reports, Congress is expected to make the final announcement in the next 48 hours.