New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Congress party on Sunday defended its choice to appoint General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the Chairperson of the Screening Committee for Assam, while strongly condemning the BJP for what it termed an effort to spread a misleading 'Rahul vs Priyanka' narrative within the organization.

The Congress emphasized that this is not the first instance in which Priyanka Gandhi has been given significant responsibilities, recalling her previous role as an ex officio member of the Screening Committee during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

Party leaders stated that her appointment in Assam demonstrates continuity and confidence in her organizational skills, rather than indicating any internal conflict.

On the other hand, the BJP has accused the Congress of trying to position Priyanka Gandhi as a new face of the party following repeated electoral failures under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, claiming that an internal 'Rahul vs Priyanka' divide has long existed within Congress.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar dismissed these claims, asserting that Priyanka Gandhi has effectively handled significant organizational roles before. He noted, “Previously, she was the General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh during the Assembly elections. This marks her second engagement with state elections. She will leverage her political acumen in Assam, and a Congress resurgence there is quite likely.”

Anwar further alleged that the BJP is deliberately misrepresenting the scenario.

“Priyanka Gandhi has served as General Secretary for the past five years, consistently taking on organizational duties nationwide. Thus, the narrative fostered by the BJP is entirely incorrect,” he added.

Congress leader Udit Raj also supported the appointment, explaining that Priyanka Gandhi was chosen due to her extensive influence and experience, emphasizing that the BJP should refrain from commenting on Congress's internal matters.

Raj remarked, “She is our leader and has been appointed as Chairperson of the Assam Screening Committee. Her influence is substantial. She will delve fully into electoral politics and oversee candidate selections. Her experience will only grow.”

He sharply criticized the BJP, referring to the recent appointment of Nitin Nabin as the BJP's National Working President.

“The BJP has a habit of meddling in others' affairs, creating divisions, and inserting informers. This reflects a lack of morality. This is an internal issue of our party. Nitin Nabin is now Working President, a person virtually unknown to most; I heard his name for the first time. The BJP should focus on its own internal matters and how it sidelined prominent figures. Congress operates differently,” he stated.

Priyanka Gandhi's ascension to head the Assam Screening Panel is perceived as a strategic move to enhance national leadership visibility in a politically sensitive area with complex electoral dynamics.

Traditionally, Congress has positioned Rahul Gandhi as its primary contender for the Prime Ministerial role, and Priyanka Gandhi's new assignment comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership, strategy, and future direction within the opposition spectrum.

Earlier, Congress MP Imran Masood had openly suggested that Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi could be a potential Prime Ministerial candidate, drawing parallels to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Masood stated that Priyanka Gandhi embodies the same determination and capability to counter anti-India narratives in South Asia, akin to her grandmother's approach with Pakistan.

In recent weeks, Priyanka Gandhi, a first-time MP, has stepped into a leadership role for the party, particularly during the Winter Session in the Lok Sabha.

She made a significant impact with her incisive criticism of the government during the Vande Mataram debate, which garnered widespread attention and went viral.

As opposition parties staged a walkout from the Lok Sabha in protest against the VB-G RAM G Bill, Priyanka Gandhi was seen leading the demonstration.

Brandishing a photograph of Mahatma Gandhi, she led the march within the Parliament premises, chanting slogans against the Bill.

Despite Rahul Gandhi's absence from Parliament, Congress garnered significant notice for its vigorous protest against the legislation, both inside and outside Parliament, with Priyanka Gandhi emerging as a key figure of resistance during the proceedings.