Priyanka Gandhi, who has been vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, previously called Israel’s military actions “barbaric and inhuman.”
Priyanaka Gandhi : New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi made a statement today by arriving in Parliament with a handbag featuring a prominent “Palestine” tag. This move sparked strong reactions from the BJP, who criticized it as “crass communal posturing.”
Priyanka Gandhi, who has consistently spoken out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, had previously described Israel’s military actions as “barbaric and inhuman.” The latest controversy follows her meeting with Palestine’s embassy representative, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, at her residence, where he congratulated her on her victory in the Lok Sabha elections and urged India to take a leadership role in brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur questioned the timing and intent of her gesture, asking, “Was the bag a statement? Why hasn’t she spoken up about issues concerning Bangladeshi Hindus? It raises a lot of questions.” He also criticized the opposition, saying MPs are elected to represent the concerns of over 140 crore Indians, not to stir controversies. Thakur pointed out that similar statements had been made earlier by Asaduddin Owaisi and now by Priyanka Gandhi.
Amit Malviya, the head of BJP’s IT cell, accused Gandhi of using “communal virtue signaling” to gain attention. He described her actions as “crass communal posturing,” adding that it was another example of Congress shifting toward a stance that he believed catered to a specific community.
In response, Priyanka Gandhi fired back, telling her critics, “They should focus on the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh and talk to the Bangladesh government, rather than making foolish remarks.”
Back in July, Priyanka Gandhi had denounced Israel’s military actions, calling them “a violation of international law” and urging governments worldwide to pressure Israel to stop the offensive.
India’s Position on Israel-Palestine
India has consistently advocated for a two-state solution, supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed this stance in Parliament, emphasizing India’s commitment to a “sovereign, independent, and viable Palestinian state.” India has also backed 10 out of 13 UN resolutions related to Palestine since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in October 2023.
India has provided humanitarian aid to Palestine, including about 70 metric tonnes of relief materials, along with a $5 million contribution to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.
India-Palestine Relations
India’s relationship with Palestine dates back nearly five decades. In 1974, India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Diplomatic ties were further strengthened when India opened a representative office in Gaza in 1996, which was later moved to Ramallah in 2003.
While India strongly condemned the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed over 1,000 Israelis and took many others hostage, it has called for restraint and the protection of civilians in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 40,000.
Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/stupid-things-bjp-vs-congress-over-priyanka-gandhis-palestine-bag-7260913