New Delhi, January 23: In an  announcement which caught the political circles by surprise, the Congress on Wednesday elevated Priyanka Gandhi Vadra - the daughter of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister of party chief Rahul Gandhi - to the rank of Congress general secretary. She was also assigned as the party in-charge for East Uttar Pradesh ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Her deputation in eastern UP is considered to be a "game-changer" by the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) office-bearers. The much-awaited decision, they claimed, would revive the grand old party in the state after nearly three decades.

The BJP, however, ridiculed the announcement, claiming that there is nothing unprecedented about the promotion of "another family member" within the Congress.

Priyanka Gandhi Enters Active Politics: Who Said What

"We have been demanding this. She has been active. The decision to appoint her in-charge for east UP will be a game changer. We are in a joyous mood and partymen are celebrating this,” UPCC spokesperson Peeyush Mishra said.

"This will help in revival of Congress not only in Uttar Pradesh but the entire country. She will take charge after Feb 1 once she returns from abroad," senior Congress leader Rajiv Shukla said.

"The responsibility given to Priyanka ji is very important. This will not only have an effect on eastern Uttar Pradesh but also other regions," Congress veteran Motilal Vora was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Reaction From Gandhi-Vadra Family:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Priyanka as a "powerful leader" who would emerge as an asset for the party. He further claimed that the announcement to depute her as in-charge of eastern UP has "rattled the BJP".

Priyanka's husband and embattled businessman Robert Vadra also welcomed the move, saying, "Congratulations P... always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best."

BJP Sees 'Nepotism', 'Rahul Gandhi's Failure'

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister JP Nadda said the appointment of Priyanka proves the Congress is committed to dynasticism. "Priyanka Gandhi officially becomes General Secretary of Congress , but everyone knows how this household company works. It is also first official declaration from Congress that Rahul ji has failed, he should tell what is his view of Parivarwadi soch," he asked.

BJP veteran and Union Law Minister also condemned the Congress, saying, "Priyanka ji has become General Secy, my good-luck to her. Since party is a family concern, these kinds of postings are nothing unusual, except to say with a caveat, why she has been given limited role of only Eastern UP? Perhaps her persona merited a wider role for her."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2019 04:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).