Priyanka Gandhi Effect on Uttar Pradesh Politics? SP-BSP Rethink Alliance With Congress Ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha Polls

Lucknow, February 11: Following the appointment of Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as general secretary of Uttar Pradesh East, there are reports that Mayawati led-Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party are reconsidering the alliance with Congress, ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav Alliance For 2019 Lok Sabha Elections: 'BSP, SP to Contest 38 Seats Each in Uttar Pradesh'.

According to News18 sources, the BSP-SP's 'mahagathbandhan' has offered Congress 14 seats. While, Congress sources, on the other hand, expect that party will get at least 30 seats from BSP-SP alliance. The BSP-SP's rethink is part of an attempt by 'mahagathbandhan' to stop the diversion of votes by Congress. Earlier, SP-BSP announced alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha elections sharing 38 seats each, keeping two seats- Raebareli and Amethi- for Congress.

On Monday, Priyanka Gandhi will make her first visit to Lucknow after being appointed as general secretary of UP East. Priyanka will be accompanied by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia. It is expected that all three leaders will get a grand welcome from party workers, who are planning to hold a roadshow. Priyanka Gandhi to Kick-Start Lok Sabha Election 2019 Campaign in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, on February 6, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary and will helm the party's affairs in Uttar Pradesh East. Priyanka will share her office with Jyotiraditya Scindia, who heads the party's affairs in UP West. In last elections, Congress performed poorly by winning just two seats- Raebareli and Amethi as compared to 21 seats it had won in the earlier elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 11, 2019 01:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).