Priyanka, Scindia buck up for polls, hold marathon meetings with workers

Soon after the Mahan Dal led by Keshav Dev Maurya announced support to Congress in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections as well as the assembly elections in 2022, Priyanka said she would put all her heart in the Lok Sabha elections indicating that Rahul has given her the task to start a politics that takes everyone along.

“Main Maurya ji ka swagat karna chahti hun, Rahul ji ne humein lakshya diya hai ki ek aisi rajniti ka hum nirman karen jismein sab bhagidar hon, sab varga aur samudayon ka pratinidhtva ho..usi ke prati prayas hai (I welcome Maurya ji. Rahul has given us a target to start such kind of politics, in which everyone has a share, every section and community has representation and this a step in that direction),” said Priyanka and added, “We are going to fight 2019 Lok Sabha election with all our heart.”

In 2014, the Congress entered an alliance with Mahan Dal and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). While eight seats were given to RLD led by Ajit Singh, three seats were given to Mahan Dal including Etah, Nagina, Badaun in Western Uttar Pradesh. The party ended up getting about 23,000 votes on these seats.

Mahan Dal claims to have influence on a section of “non-Yadav” OBC votes in Western Uttar Pradesh like Kushwahas, Shakyas and Mauryas. Maurya said, “In 2019, Mahan Dal will be with the Congress and in 2022, Mahan Dal will put all effort to form Congress government in the state.”

When asked about her meetings with workers from various Lok Sabha constituencies, Priyanka said, “I am learning a lot about the organisation… How it is structured and the changes that need to be done… I am getting their views on how to fight elections…”

“I’m getting to learn a lot from them… about the organisation, their regions, as well as district and block committees there,” said Priyanka.

AICC general secretary in charge of western Uttar Pradesh, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also held meetings till early morning with grassroot level workers from the Lok Sabha constituencies that fall under him, asking them about the local equations as well as the strength and weaknesses of the organisation.

“Day or night holds no meaning for us, all that matters is issues of people of UP…. We have had good meetings and it is clear that UP is ready for change and new vision,” said Scindia.

Both the leaders again started meetings around 12.30pm with booth workers and senior leaders. Priyanka also met people who came to seek support on various issues, including pension.

Party workers said they were given a form that asked for details, including their WhatsApp number, e-mail and social media accounts.