Priyanka's plunge into politics: Who said what

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi
Welcoming his sister's entry into active politics + , Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he was "very happy" that Priyanka will assist him in the Lok Sabha polls. "I am very happy that my sister Priyanka will assist me in Uttar Pradesh in the Lok Sabha polls, she is very capable," Rahul Gandhi said.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Taking a dig at the Congress for appointing Priyanka Gandhi as its general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Union minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said her persona merited a "more wider role" in the organisation. "Priyanka ji has become the general secretary, my good luck to her. Since the party is a family concern, these kind of postings are nothing unusual, except to say with a caveat why has she been given the limited role of eastern UP? Perhaps her persona merited a more wider role," he said.

Robert Vadra

Businessman Robert Vadra congratulated his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her entry into mainstream politics. Vadra, who is married to Priyanka for over 20 years now, wrote a congratulatory post on Facebook and urged his wife to "give it her best." “Congratulations P... always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best, wrote Vadra.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra

It was expected, to promote dynasty is what Congress is all about. They consider family as the party while the BJP considers party as the family. Congress has accepted that Rahul Gandhi Ji has failed.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti

Welcoming Priyanka Gandhi Vadra into politics, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti wondered if the Gandhi family scion would become the X factor of the upcoming national elections. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said Priyanka brings with her the grace of the Gandhi-Nehru lineage and her immense personal charm.

MP and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal

It is a stamp by Congress and Rahul Gandhi on his utter failure, the fact that no ‘ghathbandhan’ is wanting to shake hands with the Congress in any state, they were becoming irrelevant. So, they had to play this Eastern UP card, to insure Rahul and Sonia Ji’s seats.

UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey

The BJP leader called her appointment as the party's internal matter. But, he added, it indicated that the Congress is yet to come out from the family syndrome. “Sonia has now roped in her daughter,” he said referring to the UPA chairperson. “Nothing will materialise from this. Priyanka is not even a one per cent challenge," he said.

Janata Dal (U) vice-president Prashant Kishore

JD(U) vice president Prashant Kishor described the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as "one of the most awaited entries in Indian politics". "One of the most awaited entries in Indian politics is finally here! While people may debate the timing, exact role and position, to me, the real news is that she finally decided to take the plunge! Congratulations and best wishes to Priyanka Gandhi," Kishor said in a tweet.

Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman took potshots at the Congress, saying it was a step that took forward dynastic politics. "It was an appointment based on family," which showed that dynastic politics has gone two steps forward," she said.

Congress leader Renuka Choudhary

It is a brilliant step by Rahul Ji, the BJP is rattled. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, this decision is something that has been speculated forever, and I think we should all wait for more surprises just before the elections.

BJP UP in-charge JP Nadda

Union minister JP Nadda said, "Priyanka Gandhi is officially the general secretary of the Congress, but everyone knows how this household company works. It is also the first official declaration from the Congress that Rahul ji has failed, he should tell what is his view of Parivarwadi soch?"

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy welcomed the formal entry of Priyanka Gandhi into active politics. "I congratulate Ms Priyanka Gandhi for her new role in the @INCIndia as AICC general secretary in charge of the Uttar Pradesh(East). I welcome her decision to join active politics," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

Sachin Pilot

Deputy chief minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot said Priyanka Gandhi's appointment will inspire party workers across the country. "It is a welcome development. This will boost party workers across the country. It has been a long standing demand of the workers to give her (Priyanka) an official role.

(With agency inputs)