40% Seats For Women: Congress Pits Girl Power Against Caste In UP Polls
NDTV
"This decision is for the girls of Uttar Pradesh ... This decision is for women who want change," said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was tasked with winning Uttar Pradesh for the Congress three years ago by her brother Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress will reserve 40 per cent of its tickets in the coming Uttar Pradesh elections for women, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said today. "Women can bring about change and they need to step forward," Ms Gandhi Vadra said at a press conference today.
"This decision is for the girls of Uttar Pradesh… ... This decision is for women who want change," said Ms Gandhi Vadra, who was tasked with winning Uttar Pradesh for the Congress three years ago by her brother Rahul Gandhi.
There was a caveat. "The candidate's competence will determine the ticket," added the 49-year-old, who took the plunge into politics in January 2019 ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Traditionally, caste has played a major role in elections in Uttar Pradesh. For the elections due next year, it is likely to be on traditional lines, with the BJP seen as trying to placate the Brahmins.