Rajya Sabha MP and film actor Raj Babbar, a politician from the Uttar Pradesh for about three decades now, has been appointed the new President of Congress’ State unit. Babbar will be assisted by four senior Vice-Presidents in the poll-bound State.

There had been rumours that the Congress was looking to appoint a party member from the upper castes as its UP chief to reclaim its voter base. Babbar’s appointment is seen as a move to win OBC and Muslim votes.

Announcing the decision, Congress General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi said ex-PCC chief Nirmal Khatri will be the Chairman of the Screening Committee that will select candidates for the 2017 elections.

Considering caste and religious equations, the Congress has also appointed Raja Ram Pal, Rajesh Mishra, Bhagwati Prasad and Imran Masood as senior Vice-Presidents.

Priyanka calls on Azad Earlier in the day, fuelling speculation Priyanka Gandhi met Congress General Secreatary in charge of UP Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Azad, however, denied the reports that Priyanka was being given key responsibilities in the elections. When asked whether she would campaign in constituencies other than Amethi and Rae Bareli, Azad said such decisions will be taken on time.

“Everyone associated with the Congress has a role, and it will continue like that. People want her to go beyond these two constituencies and campaign in other areas. But the election hasn’t been announced yet. A decision will be taken when the date of polls are announced,” Azad said. Azad said a campaign committee will also be formed soon to steer the campaign.

He also said the Congress does not have any plans to forge an alliance with other parties in the politically-crucial State. “We have not thought of an alliance. At present, the effort to strengthen the party,” he added.

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