The great-granddaughter of India's founding father made her long-awaited political debut Wednesday, joining her brother in the fight to restore their dynasty to its past glory ahead of looming national elections. Priyanka Gandhi is one of the younger scions of the powerful Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, which has dominated Indian politics since independence. The 47-year-old - whose father, grandmother and great-grandfather were all prime ministers - has rarely been seen in public, except for the rare occasions where she has campaigned for the party.

But with national polls just months away, Priyanka has accepted a key post in the opposition Congress party led by her older brother Rahul. Members are describing her elevation as "the spark that ignites" the party, where the well-liked mother of two is being pitched as a potentially re-energising force to stave off a repeat of an election wipeout five years ago.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2019