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Will she or won’t she? The question has popped up again. The Congress spokesperson had on Monday “rubbished” all reports about Priyanka Gandhi having a big role in the 2014 Parliamentary polls.
But insiders say it is only a matter of time, and that she will join politics soon. Sonia Gandhi’s indifferent health too might necessitate the presence of a constant companion.
“Congress spokesman Ajay Maken was absolutely right when he scotched rumours about Priyanka jumping into the fray or campaigning across the country in the 2014 Parliamentary polls. But, that doesn’t mean that she has foreclosed the option of a career in politics,” said a Congress leader.
About 12 years ago there was much speculation about which of the Gandhi siblings would join politics: Rahul or Priyanka. Then, it was widely perceived that Priyanka would be the fourth generation Nehru-Gandhi to join politics.
But that was when her first child was born. Rihan is now about 13 and in class VIII at Doon school.
The children were the prime reason why Priyanka Gandhi chose not to contest polls or join politics, full time. Now, with the elder one in a boarding school, and the younger one, Miraya, expected to join a girls’ boarding school in a year or two, Priyanka may soon join politics.
The 42-year-old home-maker had all along denied having any intention to join politics. Even while campaigning for her mother and brother at Rae Bareli and Amethi, Priyanka used to tell reporters that she did not want to join politics. Instead she did a course in Buddhist studies, learned vipasana meditation and baked cakes for her children.
But after the younger child too goes to a boarding school, she may reconsider her earlier decision.
After all, she has been campaigning for the family since Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s first political rally at Sriperumbudur in 1998.
“Even Rahul took his time before contesting for the first time in 2004. So, she is obviously in no hurry,” said another top Congressman.
Till then Priyanka will hold the family forts at Amethi and Rae Bareli, letting her brother and mother campaign across the country.
> rajesh.ramachandran@thehindu.co.in
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