Priyanka Gandhi Shows Support for Palestine
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sparked controversy on Monday when she appeared in Parliament with a bag featuring the word “Palestine,” symbolizing her support for Palestinians. The bag, which displayed the iconic watermelon emblem, a long-standing symbol of Palestinian resistance, attracted attention on social media. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed shared the photo, which quickly went viral.
BJP’s Response to Gandhi’s Gesture
The gesture did not go unnoticed by the BJP. Sambit Patra, a BJP spokesperson, criticized Gandhi’s move, accusing her family of “carrying the bag of appeasement,” blaming it for their political setbacks in elections. Patra’s remarks, made during a press briefing, sparked a sharp response from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She fired back, urging the BJP to address the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh rather than focus on “stupid things.”
Gandhi’s Continued Support for Palestine
Priyanka Gandhi’s solidarity with Palestine is not new. Last week, she met with the Palestinian envoy to discuss the Gaza conflict. Gandhi has been vocal about her opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling the military operations “barbaric” and criticizing the Modi government for not taking a more proactive role in advocating for a ceasefire. Her views have aligned with those of Palestinian officials, with Gandhi recently wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf, during a meeting with Palestinian diplomat Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer.
Previous Criticisms of Israel’s Actions
Priyanka Gandhi’s criticisms of Israel’s actions have been consistent. In October 2023, she accused Israel of violating international law during its military operations in Gaza. In July 2024, she labeled the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “genocidal” and called on countries worldwide to condemn the violence. Gandhi emphasized that it is the moral responsibility of all right-thinking individuals and governments to denounce the Israeli government’s actions and push for peace.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Role and Political Background
Priyanka Gandhi recently won the Lok Sabha election from Wayanad in Kerala, a seat previously held by her brother, Rahul Gandhi. The constituency has a significant Muslim population, which may have influenced her strong stance on Palestinian issues during her campaign. Her consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause has positioned her as a prominent voice in Indian politics, particularly among those who oppose the Israeli government’s policies.
This latest incident has once again brought her outspoken views to the forefront of political discourse in India, adding to the ongoing debate on India’s foreign policy and its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
