Priyanka poses no threat to Modi, he will win Varanasi: Naqvi

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Wednesday said Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra poses no threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi even if she contests against him from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat.

He also criticised Congress president Rahul Gandhi for creating a "fake narrative" against the BJP.

"Someone is going to be there in the fray (from Varanasi). But Priyanka does not pose any challenge to Modi. The so-called 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) is already falling apart...," Naqvi said here.

"I am not even sure how many parties will contest against Modi in Varanasi, but the outcome is not going to be different. Modi will definitely win the seat," the BJP leader added.

There has been a speculation that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may take on Modi from Varanasi seat. She formally entered politics and was appointed the Congress general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh in February.

Taunting Robert Vadra, the minority affairs minister said he appeared to have joined the Congress as party spokesperson.

"If Vadra can comment on Priyanka Gandhi's chances of contesting election from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, I think he is officially now the spokesperson for Gandhi and the party," Naqvi said.

On the Election Commission's ban on UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning over his alleged violation of model code of conduct, Naqvi said, "I think the ECI has misunderstood his comments. Yogi has simply replied to a comment saying 'Apako Ali achha lagata hai to hume Bajarangbali'. He has certainly not instigated communal hatred."
When asked about former BJP leaders Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, who fiercely criticised the party, Naqvi said, "There are some freelance spokespersons of Congress who keep abusing party from time-to-time. In case of Shatrughan, it was apparent that he was shifting to some other party even when he was with BJP."