BJP MP gives Priyanka Gandhi '1984' sack after her Palestine, Bangladesh bags

Earlier, Priyanka Gandhi made headlines carrying a bag with motifs related to Palestine and Bangladesh in Parliament

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi has gifted Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi a bag marked with "1984" following a political statement made by Gandhi in Parliament. The bag references the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a deeply controversial and painful chapter in India’s history.

This move comes just days after Priyanka Gandhi made headlines by carrying a bag featuring motifs related to Palestine and Bangladesh during a session in Parliament. The Congress leader’s gesture was widely interpreted as a political statement on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

1984 Anti-Sikh riots

The "1984" bag gifted to Gandhi by Sarangi is a stark reference to the violent anti-Sikh riots that erupted after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. The widespread violence led to the killing of over 2,730 Sikhs, according to Union Home Ministry data. The Nanavati Commission, which investigated the riots, held Congress leaders—including prominent figures like Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar, and HKL Bhagat—responsible for inciting and participating in the violence.

 

Priyanka Gandhi's 'Palestine' bag

On December 16, Priyanka Gandhi arrived in Parliament carrying a bag emblazoned with the word "Palestine", alongside Palestinian symbols such as a watermelon (a long-recognised symbol of resistance in the region) and the keffiyeh pattern, a traditional Palestinian stole. Congress leaders defended the gesture, calling it a "gesture of compassion, commitment to justice, and humanity," particularly in light of Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement in Palestine.

BJP's criticism and counter-gesture

However, the BJP was quick to criticise the Congress MP's gesture. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Anurag Thakur, accused Gandhi of ignoring the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. "She did not speak a word on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh but wants to make a fashion statement with the Palestine bag," Thakur said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other BJP leaders also voiced their displeasure over her stance.

In response, Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying another bag in Parliament the following day, on December 17. This bag, which read "We stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh", was seen as a counter-response to the BJP’s accusations.

This is not the first time Priyanka Gandhi’s choice of bags has drawn political attention. Just a week before the 'Palestine' bag, Gandhi was spotted with a bag featuring a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani, along with the slogan "Modi Adani Bhai Bhai". The bag sparked further controversy, with critics alleging that it symbolized the alleged close ties between Modi and Adani.

Political statements through fashion

Priyanka Gandhi’s use of bags to convey political messages has garnered significant attention, both supporting her political ideology and drawing sharp criticisms. Her choices highlight the increasing trend of politicians using fashion and symbolism to make pointed political statements in public forums.

 

The ongoing exchange between the Congress and BJP is likely to continue as the political debate over these gestures and their implications on domestic and international issues evolves.