Why some Congress leaders are rooting for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

The buzz around Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has always existed, but it has become more pronounced following the recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament. A significant section of the Congress now views her as a more effective and relatable leader, citing her “natural connect with people, command over Hindi, sharp sense of humour, and conversational speaking style.”

On Tuesday, Priyanka also received open praise for her political leadership from her husband, businessman Robert Vadra, and Congress MP Imran Masood. Both said she has the experience, conviction and political lineage to assume a larger leadership role. Masood went a step further, stating that if Priyanka were Prime Minister, she would respond forcefully like her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

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“Is Priyanka Gandhi the Prime Minister? Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate like Indira Gandhi. She is Priyanka Gandhi; she has Gandhi added to her name. She is the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, who inflicted so much damage on Pakistan that those wounds still haven’t healed. Make her the Prime Minister and see how she will retaliate. You wouldn’t dare to do that,” Masood was quoted as saying.

The renewed attention on Priyanka follows smiling photographs of the Congress MP from Wayanad at the customary tea hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on December 19 to mark the end of Parliament’s Winter Session. Priyanka was seen engaging easily and comfortably with BJP leaders and also shared light moments with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction drew attention as Opposition leaders have often boycotted such gatherings in previous sessions.

Her presence at the informal “chai pe charcha,” attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and leaders across party lines, signalled a rare moment of cross-party warmth after a disruption-filled session. Priyanka reportedly spoke about a herb from Wayanad used to treat allergies and told the Prime Minister that she was learning Malayalam to better connect with her constituents.

Responding to Prime Minister Modi’s Tamil greeting, Priyanka humorously replied in Tamil, “All of you, please vote for Congress,” prompting laughter. She also asked him about his recent three-nation tour to Africa and the Middle East, according to those aware of the meeting.

During the 2025 Winter Session, Priyanka led the Congress charge in the Lok Sabha while her brother, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, was in Germany. Her articulate interventions, particularly during the Vande Mataram debate, earned praise from party colleagues. Recently, she also drew attention for raising concerns over violence against Hindu, Christian and Buddhist minorities in Bangladesh following the murder of Hindu youth Deepu Chandra Das.

While her resemblance to Indira Gandhi is seen as one of her biggest assets in energising the grassroots—especially women voters—Priyanka is also viewed by some as more approachable and politically mature. The Congress maintains that she and Rahul Gandhi work in tandem, but journalists covering the party increasingly describe her as more “approachable, affable and effective” than her brother. Recent meetings with election strategist Prashant Kishor have further fuelled speculation about her expanding role within the party.