Battle for Varanasi: Rai banks on Priyanka to counter Modi, Kejriwal

BUZZ Party sources claim she is expected to arrive in the first week of May and hold public meetings and a road show

VARANASI: After BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal declared they would contest from Varanasi, all eyes were on the Congress.

But the Congress decided to forego a high-profile candidate and instead chose a local – fivetime MLA Ajay Rai, who is banking on his status as an insider to trump the “outsiders.”

Now, Rai’s election campaign is set to get a boost as members of the Gandhi family are likely to campaign for him.

Rai claims Priyanka Gandhi, daughter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has assured him of all support – including campaigning in Varanasi.

“I spoke to Priyankaji and requested her to campaign for the party in Varanasi. She assured me of all support,” said Rai.

“Even Soniaji has assured me that either she or Rahulji or Priyanka ji will definitely turn up.”

However, Priyanka told the media on Thursday that she would only campaign for her brother Rahul and mother Sonia.

Meanwhile, party sources said Priyanka was expected to arrive in Varanasi in the first week of May. She is likely to stay for two days to hold public meetings and a road show for Rai.

Congress workers also believe that Priyanka’s presence will help cement the party’s Muslim votebank as well as traditional voters.