New Delhi, April 26: A day after fielding Ajay Rai as Congress candidate from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, Indian Overseas Congress chief defended the decision of not fielding party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla had called this as party chief Rahul Gandhi's decision.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital on Friday, Pitroda said that it was Priyanka's decision not to contest from Varanasi. Quoting her name, Pitroda said, "It (not contesting from Varanasi) was Priyanka ji's decision, she has other responsibilities. She thought rather than concentrating on one seat she should focus on the job she has at hand. So, that decision was her and she decided it." Narendra Modi Files Nomination From Varanasi Parliamentary Seat For Lok Sabha Elections 2019. 

However, differing from this viewpoint, Shukla said, "From the first day, Priyanka Gandhi had stated that she is ready to contest from Varanasi, but the final decision lies with Congress president. Party president has decided to field its worker Ajay Rai from Varanasi and we all accept the decision."

On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 26, 2019 02:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).