Imran Masood, a Congress leader from UP who once threatened to ‘chop Narendra Modi into small pieces’ has been given a big role in the upcoming assembly elections, reported NDTV. Masood was arrested after a video of him saying the aforementioned went viral in 2014. His remarks were condemned by party leader Digvijaya Singh. When questioned about the choice, Ghulam Nabi Azad who was in charge of the Congress in UP said: "Why don't you ask the BJP of their ministers who are hate-mongers?"

Last year, Masood’s presence at a Rahul Gandhi rally had raised eyebrows and even the Congress vice-president had said: “Local candidate using harsh words about the opposition. This is not the Congress way." Masood had refused to apologise to Modi and had reportedly said: "I am ready to offer my apology only after Modi apologises for his misdeeds in Gujarat.”

So Congress rewards the "Boti-Boti" man of Uttar Pradesh Imran Masood with the post of UPPC Vice President!Reflects the mind set of Congress — Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) July 12, 2016

On Tuesday, Priyanka Gandhi attended a UP leaders’ meeting in Ghulam Nabi Azad’s house, reported ANI. In the meeting, it was decided that Raj Babbar would be appointed the new Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President. Ghulam Nabi Azad also said: “We will discuss with the leadership on this before the Parliament session commence. We still have some time, have also received a request from Govt to discuss over the issue.”

Congress has so far remained tight-lipped on her role but several party leaders have batted for her assuming a bigger role and canvassing for the party all over the state. Priyanka has earlier campaigned in Rae Bareli and Amethi parliamentary constituencies, represented by her mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and brother and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi, respectively.

Azad had held meetings with Sonia and Rahul in the past few days over the party's poll strategy in UP. He has favoured Priyanka becoming pro-active and campaigning throughout the state. Poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been roped in by Congress to help and assist the party in Uttar Pradesh, has reportedly suggested Priyanka's name for leading the party in the state. Reports also have it that veteran leader Sheila Dikshit is likely to assume an active role in the key state. Party's state president Nirmal Khatri is likely to be replaced, the sources said.

There has been divergence of opinion in Congress over Priyanka being made the top campaigner in Uttar Pradesh with a section insisting that she should canvass support for the party all over the country in the next Lok Sabha polls and should not focus on a state poll. Congress is in political wilderness in UP for the past more than 26 years which saw emergence of 'Mandal' and 'Mandir' issues and the rise of BSP.

With inputs from agencies