Congress leader backs Priyanka Gandhi as PM, BJP takes 'no faith in Rahul' dig

Congress MP Imran Masood on Tuesday backed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as a potential Prime Minister, invoking her lineage and drawing comparisons with her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The remark, however, prompted a sharp response from the BJP, which claimed that the endorsement showed even Congress leaders had lost faith in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.

Speaking to the ANI news agency, Masood said, "Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate like Indira Gandhi. She is Priyanka Gandhi. She has Gandhi added behind her name. She is the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, who inflicted so much damage on Pakistan that those wounds still haven't healed. Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate."

Masood's remarks came in response to BJP allegations that she did not speak strongly enough on atrocities against minorities.

Just a few days ago, the Wayanad MP had shared a post on X, condemning the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a blasphemy accused Hindu man in Bangladesh, and urged the government to take note of the "disturbing incident", as well as the "rising violence against Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist minorities in the neighbouring country and firmly raise the issue of their safety."

The BJP, however, was quick to respond to Masood’s endorsement, interpreting his comments as the Congress party's loss of faith in Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla said, "Congress MP Imran Masood clearly said that he has no faith in Rahul Gandhi any more. 'Rahul hatao Priyanka Gandhi laao'. It cannot be clearer that no one has confidence in Rahul Gandhi."

Poonawalla added that Congress leaders are now pushing to make Priyanka Gandhi the Prime Minister, with her husband Robert Vadra reportedly supporting the move.

He said this indicates that Rahul Gandhi has lost not only public support but also backing within his party.

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