Priyanka Gandhi's absence at Indian Union Muslim League Delhi launch sparks buzz

As Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leadership inaugurated its new national committee office 'Quaide Millath Centre' in Delhi on Sunday, the absence of Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was conspicuous and set off a buzz. It is IUML's formidable electoral and social base in Wayanad, more than the Congress', that made the constituency the safest bet for Vadra -- and earlier for her brother Rahul Gandhi -- to enter the Lok Sabha when their Amethi-Rae Bareli seats came under BJP siege.

Even at the inaugural event, the IUML leader, who delivered the welcome address, said the Wayanad MP would join the function. But, AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, who was a speaker at the event, then informed the gathering that Vadra was unable to grace the occasion due to indisposition and he read out her best wishes message to the IUML brass for the occasion.

"It was a surprise that Priyanka ji couldn't turn up at the event due to health issues. Let us see whether she will recover in time to join Rahulji's yatra in Bihar this week," said a person who attended the event.