Star Congress campaigner Priyanka Gandhi Vadra came out in open support of home minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday, saying he “had a huge responsibility” and that she “feels sad when he has to respond to the rants of people”. Talking to reporters while campaigning in Rae Bareli and Amethi, she said: “I feel sad about the time wasted on such things... which he could devote for the country. I feel the same for our government. The amount of time we waste.”
Praising her brother Rahul, Priyanka said he was not concerned about his reputation, but his work. “He’s not working so hard to win elections in UP... he’s working hard because he wants to change the state.”
Priyanka said that becoming Prime Minister was “not the central focus of his politics”. Asked if it was time for Rahul to become PM, she said: “He doesn’t look at his political career the way you people do. For him, his work is more important... Besides, we already have an extremely good Prime Minister. We are fortunate to have a person who is honest, works well. I don’t think this question arises at the moment.”
Asked about some comments by the BJP’s Uma Bharti, Priyanka said: “Ask the people of this state who is the outsider.” In a veiled attack on the Mayawati government earlier, she said people must choose if they wanted a government that worked for them or one that spent crores on stones and buildings.
She urged people to think about their own future. “Someone said yesterday these elections are a matter of prestige for Rahul. I don’t agree. His prestige is not linked to the outcome of elections. His prestige is linked to the love you have for him. In these elections, it’s your own prestige, your future that is at stake.”
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‘Does Bjp want me in politics?’
Priyanka Gandhi said her stand on not joining active politics was unchanged. “I’ve been answering this question since I was 15... the answer is the same. If I want to enter politics, you will know immediately.”
Referring to BJP attacks on her, she said: “Do they want me to enter politics? What do they prefer — that I stay out or enter politics? Ask Rajnath Singh and Uma Bharti!” — PTI