Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has stepped up preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, focusing on strengthening the party organisation, finalising campaign committees and shaping its alliance strategy with the Samajwadi Party (SP).
After the INDIA opposition bloc's November 1 rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi, Priyanka has turned her attention towards Uttar Pradesh, where she has been politically active for years.
She recently held a closed-door meeting at her residence with three senior Congress leaders from the state. The discussions reportedly focused on forming committees, assigning responsibilities and accelerating preparations for the upcoming electoral contest.
The meeting was attended by UP Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, state president Aradhana Mishra and working president Imran Masood.
Congress Shortlists Key Election Committees
Priyanka is learnt to have emphasised the need to begin organisational work early, with limited time remaining before the Assembly elections.
Names were discussed and finalised for several important panels, including the manifesto committee, management committee, campaign committee and coordination committee. The proposed lists will be sent to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for approval and are expected to be announced after Diwali.
Priyanka has continued as Congress general secretary without a specific portfolio since stepping down as the party's Uttar Pradesh in-charge following the 2022 Assembly elections. However, she remained an active campaigner, particularly during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Priyanka Gandhi May Help Manage Congress-SP Alliance
A key part of the Congress's strategy will be managing its relationship with the Samajwadi Party. A proposed committee is expected to handle seat-sharing discussions, communication between the parties and coordination of their organisational networks.
Priyanka Gandhi is likely to be part of this panel and could play a role in negotiations with SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Her involvement would draw on her role in resolving differences between the two parties before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. When seat-sharing negotiations faced difficulties, she reportedly contacted Akhilesh Yadav to help reach an agreement.
A senior Congress leader said her involvement could help speed up alliance discussions and address coordination challenges, given the SP's larger political presence in the state.
Priyanka Expected to Lead Congress Campaign Across UP
Alongside organisational planning and alliance management, Priyanka is expected to take an active role in the party's campaign across Uttar Pradesh.
Four major rallies are being planned after Diwali, covering Purvanchal, Awadh, Bundelkhand and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to begin the Congress campaign in Punjab with a rally in Sangrur on November 4. A broader campaign schedule for Uttar Pradesh, including rallies and public outreach programmes involving senior Congress leaders, is expected to be prepared.
With committee formation, alliance coordination and regional campaign planning underway, Priyanka Gandhi is expected to play a significant role in shaping the Congress's preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
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