Rae Bareli: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today (April 14, 2004) asserted the Opposition would definitely make a poll issue the saree distribution programme organised in Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's Lok Sabha constituency Lucknow, alleging it was in "violation" of the model code of conduct.

"The Opposition will definitely make an election issue the saree distribution programme organised by the in-charge of the Prime Minister's Lok Sabha constituency Lalji Tandon in violation of the model code of conduct," she told newspersons at Samardaha village.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...
Political Parties in India

Campaigning for her mother and All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka termed the stampede tragedy as unfortunate but blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for organsing such a programme on the election-eve.

"Earlier, the BJP had gained electoral mileage on the Kargil war and fought election on the issue," she said, adding the Opposition would not hesitate in exploiting the Lucknow incident in the coming elections as it was a result of a function organised in "violation" of model code of conduct.

Priyanka today visited several villages in Amava block, the stronghold of Samajwadi Party nominee for the seat Ashok Singh, and asked the people to cast their votes freely and judiciously.

Priyanka, who had been holding meetings with Congress workers and leaders for the last two days, continued her campaign for the third day today.