New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has managed to grab headline for two consecutive days with her symbolic tote bags.
A day after her bag with ‘Palestine’ emblazoned on it alongside a watermelon, a widely recognised symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian, triggered a fierce reaction from the BJP, the Wayanad MP was on Tuesday seen with another bag in Parliament, supporting Bangladeshi minorities.
Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho (Stand with Bangladeshi Hindus and Christians) was written on it, in reference to the incidents of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Priyanka’s “bag move” inspired other Opposition MPs to carry similar bags and protest in unison.
Taking to X, Priyanka also shared the image with a couplet in Sanskrit: “This is mine, that is yours, say those of narrow minds. For the noble-hearted, however, the entire world is one family.”
अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्।
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्॥ pic.twitter.com/qf47VDTdyS— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 17, 2024
This is being seen as her answer to BJP, who on Monday had accused her of Muslim “appeasement” and questioned her silence on Bangladeshi Hindus issue. The visit by Palestinian Embassy representative Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer to her residence a day before added to the BJP’s accusations of “communal posturing.”
In her address during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Monday, she had, however, called upon the government to raise the issue of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. The government should discuss this with the Bangladesh government and support those who are in pain,” she said.
One X user posted a pensive picture of the prime minister, implying that Priyanka had stolen Narendra Modi’s thunder.
“Priyanka Gandhi ne Bangladeshi Hindus ko support kar ke Sansad Mei Masterstroke laga diya jab ki main Manipur ko bhi Support nahi kar paaya. Ab main kya karu fir, job chor du?”
Another termed it as a ‘brutal move’ against critics. “Bhakts were crying when she brought a Palestinian Handbag to Parliament Yesterday. Today, she brought a Bangladeshi Hindu support Bag, Bhakts have gone underground. This is Brutal from Priyanka.”
Taking a dig at the ruling BJP, another user wrote: “Congress hasn’t stopped modiji with 56inches chest from carrying a ‘jhola’ with slogan of pro Bangladeshi Hindus.”
However, one X user was of the opinion that the “tote bag stunt” was nothing but damage control after facing well-deserved criticism for her selective outrage. “Yesterday, she was busy supporting Palestine while conveniently ignoring the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. Now, a PR agent must have advised her to “fix” the narrative. But even in this forced gesture, her deep-rooted Hinduphobia shines through—she cannot mention Hindus without adding Christians to dilute the message. What a shame!”
Another user wrote: “Thank You BJP for making Priyanka Gandhi Speak for Hindus of Bangladesh.”
Another X user accused her of opportunism. “Priyanka Gandhi’s bag collection deserves a museum! Yesterday, it was Palestine’s bag, today it’s a bag for Bangladeshi Hindus. Who knows, tomorrow she might bring a Pakistani bag and call it ‘peaceful diplomacy’! The only thing changing faster than her bags is her stance!”
Some termed her move as a balancing act. “Priyanka Gandhi’s gesture of solidarity with Palestine has been diluted within 24 hours to appease the Hindutva brigade. It’s disheartening that showing empathy for a humanitarian crisis has to be ‘balanced.’”
