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It was PM versus Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi versus Amit Shah
Rahul Gandhi stayed away from ‘Vande Mataram’, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking charge for Congress. File pic/PTI
Parliament has seen significant activity this week, providing insight into the workings of Congress and potentially affecting the party’s power dynamics.
Let’s break it down. There have been two major discussions—Vande Mataram and electoral reform. Rahul Gandhi stayed away from Vande Mataram, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking charge for Congress. She spoke on the same day as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, creating a clear PM versus Priyanka scenario. The next day’s front pages featured split images of both, highlighting the contrast. Ideally, as the Leader of the Opposition, it should have been Rahul Gandhi versus the PM, but even when he spoke on electoral reforms the next day, it wasn’t the case.
Priyanka received praise from her party and the INDIA bloc members, and even some in the BJP acknowledged her effectiveness. She delivered a clear, political speech—smiling, taking jabs, firm but not abusive. Although she wasn’t in the Lok Sabha when the PM spoke, it was evident she was taking notes, as her speech effectively rebutted the PM’s points.
For many Congress leaders struggling to find a successful strategy, Priyanka’s words offered hope. However, they recognise that she may not be the leader they need, as she often steps back. There is speculation about whether she is forced to do so.
The next day, Rahul Gandhi spoke, but the energy he displayed in his press conferences on “vote chori” was missing in his Lok Sabha speech. The PM was not present when he spoke. Rahul Gandhi arrived shortly before his speech and left soon after, leaving his party members disappointed. What was anticipated as a major confrontation fell flat.
The rebuttal to Rahul’s speech came from Home Minister Amit Shah, not the PM. Shah delivered a strong, point-by-point rebuttal, indicating that the PM was letting his second-in-command handle it.
While Congress leaders await clarity on power dynamics, one thing became clear over these 48 hours: it was PM versus Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi versus Amit Shah. Rahul came across as a testy and stubborn leader, while Priyanka appeared as a contender within Congress.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 11, 2025, 07:00 IST
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