December 17, 2024: After igniting a political storm in Parliament with her "Palestine" bag on the previous day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra found herself in the midst of another controversy on Monday, as she appeared with a new handbag featuring the slogan: "Stand with Bangladeshi Hindus and Christians."
The fresh political firestorm comes amid growing tensions surrounding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. The bag, emblazoned with a message calling for solidarity with religious minorities facing attacks in the country, especially following the political instability after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this year, quickly caught the attention of lawmakers.
In her address during the Zero Hour of the Lok Sabha on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi urged the Indian government to take diplomatic action regarding the plight of Hindus and Christians in Bangladesh. "The government should raise the issue of atrocities on minorities, both Hindus and Christians, in Bangladesh," she said. "We should engage with the Bangladesh government and stand with those who are suffering."
Her statement also included a direct call for India to lend its voice to global discussions on the matter and support Bangladesh's vulnerable communities. This marked another outspoken intervention by the Congress leader, who has been an advocate for human rights causes on the international stage.
Priyanka Gandhi's "bag diplomacy" seemed to resonate with other Opposition MPs, several of whom appeared with similar bags as a symbolic protest. The coordinated act was seen as a direct challenge to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its policies.
However, the controversy was not limited to her choice of accessories. The day before, Priyanka Gandhi had been embroiled in a heated debate over a different handbag. The previous day's bag, emblazoned with the word "Palestine" and featuring a watermelon — a symbol often associated with solidarity for Palestine — drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders. The BJP accused her of engaging in "communal posturing" and prioritising foreign issues over domestic concerns, especially given the ongoing challenges in India.
When asked about the "Palestine" bag, Priyanka Gandhi responded firmly, dismissing the BJP's criticism as patriarchal. "Who is going to decide what clothes I wear now? Who is going to decide that? That's typical patriarchy — that you decide what women wear. I don't subscribe to that. I will wear what I want," she stated defiantly. She further emphasized that her political views were clear from her public statements, including her social media posts.
The controversy surrounding the bag took on an added dimension when it was revealed that a representative from the Palestinian Embassy, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, had visited Priyanka Gandhi's residence the day before. BJP leaders seized on this visit, accusing Gandhi of engaging in foreign policy actions that could undermine India's strategic interests.
The ongoing debate over Priyanka Gandhi’s accessories reflects the broader political divisions in India, where symbols and gestures often become a battleground for ideological warfare. BJP leaders have framed her actions as an attempt to divert attention from domestic concerns, while the Opposition, particularly Congress, has continued to focus on global human rights issues and the treatment of minorities worldwide.
As the controversy swirls, the focus on Priyanka Gandhi's handbags seems likely to continue dominating headlines in the run-up to the next parliamentary session, with both sides of the political divide looking to capitalize on the growing tensions.