Planted news that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wanted to contest against Narendra Modi: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress dismissed as "motivated and planted" media reports that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wanted to challenge Narendra Modi from Varanasi but was stopped by the party high command.

"I think Priyanka herself has rejected this contention. After her own clarification on the motivated and planted news, nothing more needs to be said", party spokesman Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.

Surjewala said Priyanka is a "bedrock of support" bo both her mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her brother and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.

"Priyanka has herself defined her own role to campaign in the two parliamntary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli and look after all-round development of these two constituencies. Everything else is in the realm of continued speculation which we are rejecting."

Surjewala was asked why Congress, which projects itself as a great champion of women's cause, does not start charity at home by fielding Priyanka from Varanasi.

Reports had it that she was keen to be the Congress candidate from Varanasi as she was willing to place a higher principle above the real risk of defeat but was stopped by the party high command.

Surjewala made light of the reported statement of BJP leader Uma Bharati that Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka, would be behind the bars when BJP comes to power at the Centre.

The Congress spokesman wanted Uma to care of her own future after having been shown the door by BJP two-three times.