Imran Masood Clarifies ‘Priyanka as PM’ Remark, Reaffirms Rahul Gandhi as Congress Leader

Saharanpur: Congress MP Imran Masood has found himself at the centre of a political controversy following his remarks suggesting that if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were the Prime Minister, Hindus in Bangladesh would not be facing the persecution they allegedly are today. Seizing on the statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Masood of undermining Rahul Gandhi’s leadership within the Congress.

Responding to the backlash, Masood issued a clarification, asserting that his comments were taken out of context. He said the statement was made in response to a specific question about Bangladesh and was not intended to project Priyanka Gandhi as an alternative to Rahul Gandhi. “Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the Congress party, and he is also Priyanka Gandhi’s leader. The entire Congress, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, considers Rahul Gandhi as its leader,” Masood said.

Masood further explained that both Rahul and Priyanka are grandchildren of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and had the Congress been in power, the situation of Hindus in Bangladesh would not have deteriorated to its present state. “That was the only point I made,” he added.

Earlier, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that Masood’s remarks reflected a lack of confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and an attempt to promote Priyanka Gandhi in his place. The issue quickly gained traction across television debates and political circles.

Following directions from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Masood released an official clarification to dispel what the party described as a “manufactured perception” of internal discord. Congress leaders maintained that the controversy was amplified by the BJP and certain media outlets to portray disunity within the party.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, Robert Vadra, added fuel to the debate with a separate statement, saying that Priyanka Gandhi has a “bright future in politics” and that a time may come when people would want to see her in a top leadership role.

The episode highlights the sensitivity surrounding leadership narratives within the Congress and the sharp political scrutiny its leaders face, particularly in the run-up to crucial electoral battles.