By Faisal Fareed, TwoCircles.net
What would you call a function attended and hosted by the Gandhi family in Allahabad, a few months before the UP elections? Surely this was meant to discuss the party’s strategy for the upcoming elections?
Well, according to Congress leaders, it was a non-political function, meant to celebrate the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The venue was Swaraj Bhawan and the Gandhi family ensured that they acted like good hosts, attending each and every guest.
Needless to say, this was an exclusive party, with guests including UP Congress President Raj Babbar, UP incharge Ghulam Nabi Azad and former Delhi CM Sheila Dixit.
Presence and activeness of Priyanka Gandhi once again gave air to the question which only she can answer better: Will she join active politics?
Sonia was all praise for Indira Gandhi and shared her experiences. After decades, the whole family was in Allahabad together. The family claimed Allahabad is the birthplace of Indira:she was born and brought up here and married and so Allahabad was chosen for celebrating her birth centenary, which included a photo exhibition about the life and times of Indira Gandhi.
While Rahul Gandhi discussed issues arising out of demonetization, Sonia Gandhi stopped her speech on hearing Azan and even covered her head with the saree pallu. Her actions were seen as a gesture towards Muslims.
The step and efforts by Gandhi family clearly reflects that despite being on a sticky wicket in UP, they are not going to give a walk over to others in the state and that efforts will be made to revive the grand old party.