After being embroiled in discussions regarding Palestine, Priyanka Gandhi has now shifted her focus to a different cause—Bangladesh. On Tuesday, she, along with several other parliamentarians, congregated near the “Makar Dwar” in the Parliament complex, chanting slogans such as “Centre Government, Answer!” and “We Want Justice!” Their protest aimed to draw attention to the grave persecution faced by Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. Among the protesters, Priyanka Gandhi stood out, holding a distinctive bag emblazoned with the words, “Stand with Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh.”
Earlier, on Monday, Priyanka had engaged in a similar demonstration within the parliamentary premises, continuing to advocate for justice for those suffering in Bangladesh. The Congress General Secretary had already raised this issue during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, reiterating her stance on the injustices faced by these communities. On that occasion, she also carried a bag with the word “Palestine” prominently displayed, a clear signal of her solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
This symbolic gesture caused a stir, with members of the ruling party expressing their discontent over her choice of accessories. In response, Priyanka Gandhi firmly defended her right to decide what to wear, questioning, “Who will decide what I wear? Who decides these things?” She went on to emphasize that it was the patriarchal society that often dictated women’s choices, and she would not bow to such pressures. Holding up her bag, she stated, “I have always made my views clear on this matter. If you check my Twitter handle, you will find my statement.”
The bag she carried that day featured the word “Palestine,” along with an image of a watermelon—a symbol of unity, according to Priyanka. Through this, she voiced her opposition to the Israeli actions in Gaza. Her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year only added weight to her stance.
While Congress supporters expressed approval of her symbolic act, BJP members, including Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, dismissed it as a mere publicity stunt, remarking that politicians often resorted to such actions when they lost popular support. Priyanka Gandhi, however, remained resolute in her belief that the central government must take decisive action on the Bangladesh issue.
