Why Priyanka Gandhi Refused Poll Fight Despite Mallikarjun Kharge's Request

Some Congress leaders fear that Priyanka Gandhi's decision may create a negative perception among voters.

The Congress's announcement of candidates for its two prestige seats, Amethi and Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, has effectively put the lid on speculation regarding senior party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's electoral debut.

According to sources in the party, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had requested Ms Gandhi Vadra to contest from Amethi or Rae Bareli, but she refused. Behind her reluctance, sources said, was the fact that a victory for her and her brother Rahul Gandhi would put three members of the Gandhi family in Parliament -- mother Sonia Gandhi is now in Rajya Sabha. This would reinforce the BJP's charge of dynastic politics, she reasoned, according to sources in the party.

Some leaders, however, fear that her decision may create a negative perception among voters. Ms Gandhi Vadra has been campaigning extensively and has been the face of the Congress's counterstrike after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'mangalsutra' charge at the Grand Old party. Many feel that the Congress could have benefited from her star power if she contested the polls.