By Odisha Today Bureau

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, 47, the daughter of Sonia Gandhi and the sister of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, has finally taken the ultimate step of joining politics, just month ahead of the national election due by May. Being considered as the long Trump card of congress was launched into active politics yesterday from Uttar Pradesh, a state that is considered as the gateway of Delhi. Priyanka will debut as the party’s general secretary in charge of the western part of UP, which pitches her against the ruling BJP’s two top Mascot. The two mascots are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has his constituent in Varanasi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who considers Gorakhpur as his political home.

The congress leaders believe that Priyanka’s entry would create a lot of difference in the political arena. Priyanka reminds many a lot like her grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, for both her charisma and stunning resemblances who is seen as a natural politician but she has confined herself to the constituencies of her brother Rahul and mother Sonia Gandhi-- Amethi and Raebareli.

Sources says  her appointment to a key position reflects the Congress's realisation that in a politically vital state like Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 parliamentary seats and is considered the route to power at the centre, so the party needs to a better plan to win. It will be a huge gamble for the Congress.

Congress leaders say Priyanka’s arrival in party politics will galvanise the ranks that have been demoralised by the Mayawati-Akhilesh Yadav move to form an alliance in UP for the national election without the Congress, which has been pitching for a grand opposition alliance to take on the BJP.

JD (U) vice-president Prashant Kishor described the appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as Congress' general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East as "one of the most awaited entries in Indian politics". He said in a tweet, “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”.

The appointment is being seen as a masterstroke, which will boost the morale of party workers in a state where Congress influence has been waning over the years and where the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party have announced a tie-up completely rejecting the political existence of Congress.