Mumbai, January 26: Ever since Priyanka Gandhi was announced as All India Congress Committee in-charge for Uttar Pradesh (east zone) by Rahul Gandhi last week, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has all the praises for the leader. Thackeray even referred that she might emerge as ‘queen’, provided she plays her cards well.

Applauding Priyanka’s induction in the Congress party, Thackeray – through his mouthpiece Saamana – stated that Rahul has emerged as a good politician. Also, the Sena chief opined that with the new decision the Congress president has proved that he would do whatever it takes to win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Priyanka Gandhi's Entry in Active Politics: 'BJP is Scared', Says Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.

Commenting on ally – BJP – leaders’ comments on Priyanka Gandhi’s induction, Sena chief stated that there is no substance in their claims that Rahul decision proves his ‘failure’ in politics. Rather, the Sena chief commented that the Congress president had increased the Narendra Modi-led Union government’s problems by raising the issues of Rafale fighter jet purchase issue.

In the editorial, published on Friday, Sena chief applauded Rahul for victories in the recently held Assembly elections and lambasted BJP leaders for not giving Congress president the desired credit. The leader also praised Rahul for keeping patience, after being discarded by the Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

Thackeray said, as PTI quotes, “In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP tied up, not giving space to Congress. However, Rahul Gandhi, with a lot of patience, kept his cool.” Sena chief also stated the Gandhi played his cards well in UP, by maintaining good relations with SP and BSP.

Lambasting BJP for making cheap comments on Priyanka’s inductions to the party fold, Sena chief wrote, “This will help the Congress. Even the Prime Minister had to speak about this. Even people have accepted the family, why does the stomach of some have to ache?” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Enters Active Politics: Congress Calls it 'Game-Changer', BJP Sees 'Nepotism' — Who Said What.

Like his previous statement, Uddav Thackeray maintained that Priyanka bears an uncanny resemblance to her grandmother Indira Gandhi, both in looks and in the manner of speaking. He also opined that the induction would undoubtedly help the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2019 01:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).