“It is wishful thinking on the part of the Congress,” said JP Shukla, former UP state head of The Hindu. “Priyanka’s projection is not going to make much of difference.” According to Shukla, the political revival of Congress in the state is only possible when all it state leaders stand united and work at the grassroot level with party cadres. “Congress is out of power since 1989 [in UP]. Its tally of seats has gone from bad to worse. No new leader, who can be projected as the face of the party in UP has emerged while the old guard has become inconsequential. Priyanka’s factor could help Congress to improve its tally of assembly seats just by a few more,” Shukla told Newslaundry.