Imran Masood Changes His Tone, Demands Priyanka as Prime Minister

By Sanjay Saxena, Lucknow

Congress MP Imran Masood has suddenly thrown his party’s leadership into a fresh storm of debate. Until yesterday, he spoke of making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister, but now his tone has changed. In an interview to a news agency, Imran openly advocated making Priyanka Vadra the Prime Minister. He said, “Make Priyanka the PM; she will teach Bangladesh a lesson.” This statement caused a stir in political circles. Imran did not stop there. Calling Priyanka the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, he said she is capable of giving Pakistan such pain that it still remembers its wounds. Referring to the 1971 war, he projected Priyanka as the kind of leadership image that Congress has long been searching for. This statement not only handed ammunition to opposition parties but also created turmoil within the Congress itself.

The question is being raised whether Congress has accepted that Rahul Gandhi is out of the Prime Ministerial race. The BJP has long targeted Rahul, but now Congress leaders themselves are talking about bringing Priyanka forward. Imran is not alone; several party leaders openly or indirectly consider Priyanka deserving of the top post. In an important state like Uttar Pradesh, this debate has intensified, especially as assembly elections approach.Priyanka’s rise in Congress is not new. She has been a party general secretary since 2019 and handles eastern Uttar Pradesh. But Imran’s statement is the first so clear and aggressive. By raising the Bangladesh issue, he attempted to project Priyanka as a face of national security. Recent reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have made headlines. Imran indirectly targeted the Modi government, suggesting that under a strong leader like Priyanka, India could respond firmly to Bangladesh.

Is this statement part of a party strategy or personal frustration? Political analysts see it as a sign of internal dissatisfaction within Congress. The role of the Nehru-Gandhi family has always been central to the party. Indira Gandhi led the nation from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 to 1984. Sonia Gandhi declined the PM post in 2004 but ran the UPA government. Rahul Gandhi became party president in 2017 but resigned after the crushing defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Since then, the party has functioned without a permanent president.Priyanka’s entry gave Congress some revival in Uttar Pradesh. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress won 99 seats, including six from UP. However, the decision not to project Priyanka as a national leader is now being questioned. Imran’s statement exposes this dilemma. He represents Saharanpur, a sensitive constituency in western UP. His statement suggests grassroots disappointment with Rahul.

While Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Yatra gave Congress momentum, his role in opposition unity remained limited. Leaders like Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar were unable to fully accept Rahul. Many consider Priyanka’s aggressive style more effective. Several leaders believe she has Indira-like charisma. Her rallies attract crowds and she attacks the Modi government directly.The BJP has exploited this statement. Leaders like Amit Malviya tweeted that Congress has accepted Rahul as “Pappu.” However, Priyanka has been inducted into the Congress Working Committee. Mallikarjun Kharge is the president, but decisions are believed to be guided by the family. Imran’s statement reflects the voice of a faction that wants Priyanka at the forefront.

Imran Masood himself has been controversial. In 2014, he made an objectionable remark against BJP leader Sangeet Som and later apologized. Yet his loyalty to Congress has remained firm. In 2024, he became MP from Saharanpur. On this Muslim-dominated seat, his statement seems aimed at linking Priyanka with the Muslim vote bank. By invoking Bangladesh, he brought minority issues to the national stage. Linking Priyanka to Indira Gandhi and the 1971 war was a calculated move.This statement is not coincidental. Recently, Sheikh Hasina’s government fell in Bangladesh, and Hindu-Muslim tensions increased. The Modi government adopted a tough stance, while Congress criticized it as weak foreign policy. Imran projected Priyanka as a strong leader on this issue. Is this a calculated party move or personal frustration? Experts believe efforts are underway to strengthen Priyanka ahead of UP elections. She is already active in Amethi and Rae Bareli.

Others have echoed similar sentiments. Punjab leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring earlier called Priyanka PM material. Shashi Tharoor hinted at the need for new leadership. Several UP leaders praise Priyanka. Among the youth brigade, leaders like Kanhaiya Kumar and Jairam Ramesh appear closer to her. More than 20 percent of party leaders reportedly favor Priyanka openly.However, family dominance remains an issue. Sonia Gandhi’s ill health has increased Priyanka’s role. In the 2024 elections, Priyanka campaigned for 17 star candidates. The BJP calls this “family infighting,” but Congress denies it. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said Imran’s statement was personal. Still, the debate continues.

Imran’s statement could reshape the 2029 Lok Sabha race. If Priyanka becomes the PM candidate, opposition unity may strengthen, as leaders like Mamata and Arvind Kejriwal may accept her. Rahul could become vice-leader or strategist. Priyanka herself has said she does not want to be PM, but pressure from leaders like Imran may change the situation.Ultimately, this debate has forced Congress to introspect. Will the party give Rahul another chance or move Priyanka forward? What began as a spark in Uttar Pradesh has now spread nationally. With one statement, Imran Masood has created ripples that will be felt for a long time. In politics, change often comes this way through a sudden shift in tone by a single MP.

(The writer is a senior journalist and can be reached at skslko28@gmail.com
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