Not me, my mother will contest from Rae Bareli: Priyanka

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday scotched speculation about Sonia Gandhi retiring from politics, saying her mother will fight from her Lok Sabha constituency of Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh in the 2019 general elections.

Asked if she would contest from Rae Bareli in 2019, Priyanka told NDTV: "There is no question...my mother (Sonia) will be contesting from Rae Bareli."

Priyanka's remarks assume significance against the backdrop of Sonia's comments on Friday that it was now time for her to retire. It triggered speculation and the party issued a clarification that she had retired only as Congress President and not from politics.

Asked about Rahul Gandhi taking over the mantle of party President, Priyanka said: "He has a tough road ahead and I think he is the man for it. He is brave enough to..."

Replying to questions related to Sonia Gandhi, she said: "It's a proud moment for me to see her because I have been part of her 20-year journey. I saw her begin...the difficulties she faced. I think she is one of the bravest woman I know."

Priyanka was accompanied by her husband Robert Vadra at the ceremony in All India Congress Committee headquarters where Rahul Gandhi formally assumed office as Congress President.

--IANS

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