Lok Sabha Election 2019: PM Narendra Modi-Priyanka Gandhi Vadra 'Varanasi clash' gathers fresh steam

Chances of an epic contest between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress general secretary in-charge of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra gathered fresh steam on Wednesday with the latter once again asserting that she is ready to fight from Varanasi if Congress president Rahul Gandhi gives a nod.

Earlier also Priyanka had dropped a major hint when during an interaction with Congress workers who wanted her to contest from Raebareli, she asked "Why not from Varanasi?"

Informed Congress sources said that nothing can be said with finality and the changes of Priyanka getting fielded from Varanasi are 50-50. The party high command considering several aspects before taking a decision. They searching questions that Congress wants to prepare for include – is it advisable for three members from the family to contest elections simultaneously against BJP's dynasty plank; will the Mahagathbandhan support Priyanka's candidature to let the Congress have a straight contest. And what if Priyanka loses badly?

Congress is also trying to factor in, if Priyanka's candidature from Varanasi will help galvanise support on 5-6 other seats that fall in the region. Congress has already fielded upper caste Brahmin candidates on some seats, a factor that can help candidates fielded by Mahagathbandhan.

Though Mahagathbandhan has taken a lead by declaring Shalini Yadav, the daughter-in-law of a former Congress lawmaker, as the opposition candidate from Varanasi, it is not clear if Akhilesh Yadav will withdraw her once Priyanka gets nominated. On Wednesday, Akhilesh sounded defiant as he attacked Congress by comparing it with the BJP.

The nomination process for the last phase of polls, in which Varanasi falls, has already begun and PM Modi is expected to file his nomination on April 26. Sources in the Congress maintain that If Priyanka wants to be a serious contender she needs to file her nomination at the earliest given the popularity PM Modi enjoys.

"The time is ticking. Ideally Priyanka's candidature should have been announced much in advance. It could have helped in many ways, including possible cut in PM Modi's rallies as he may have chosen to concentrate more in Varanasi.