Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s recent show of solidarity with Palestine by carrying a bag with the “Palestine” written in it to Parliament has ignited a political firestorm. While the move drew praise from former Pakistan minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, it was sharply criticised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which labelled it as an act of “appeasement politics.”
Former Pakistani minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, a prominent figure in Imran Khan’s government, lauded Priyanka Gandhi and his grandfather Nehru. Taking to X, Hussain wrote: “What else could we expect from a granddaughter of a towering freedom fighter like Jawaharlal Nehru? Priyanka Gandhi has stood tall amidst pigmies. Such shame that to date, no Pakistani member of Parliament has demonstrated such courage.”
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Hussain’s praise for Priyanka is both alarming and problematic not only for Congress but India in general. In stark contrast, the BJP launched a scathing attack on Priyanka Gandhi’s gesture, accusing her of engaging in “appeasement politics” to cater to specific voter demographics.
Priyanka Gandhi, the MP from Wayanad, arrived at Parliament carrying a bag adorned with the word “Palestine” and a watermelon motif—a symbol long associated with Palestinian resistance. The gesture was seen as a continuation of her vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Earlier this year, in June, Gandhi had accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of committing “barbarism” and “genocidal actions” in Gaza. While saying so, she simply ignored the targeted attacks on Jewsih people and the hostages, Gaza has held for almost a year now.
Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, said “bigger disaster” than her brother Rahul Gandhi. He wrote:
“At the end of this Parliament session, observe a two-minute silence for everyone in the Congress who believed Priyanka Vadra was the long-awaited solution. She is a bigger disaster than Rahul Gandhi, who thinks sporting a bag in support of Palestine in the Parliament is about fighting patriarchy. Crass communal virtue signaling cloaked as a stance against patriarchy! Make no mistake, Congress is the New Muslim League.”
At the end of this Parliament session, observe a two minute silence for everyone in the Congress, who believed Priyanka Vadra was the long-awaited solution, they should have embraced earlier. She is a bigger disaster than Rahul Gandhi, who thinks sporting a bag in support of… pic.twitter.com/UHofKVKdei
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 16, 2024
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra also attacked Gandhi during a press briefing, stating:
“The Gandhi family has always been carrying the bag of appeasement. The appeasement bag is the reason for their losses in elections. This latest act shows they continue to prioritize divisive politics over the nation’s interests.”
The backlash against Priyanka Gandhi isn’t limited to her choice of accessories. Her critics have highlighted her selective outrage and questioned why similar solidarity has not been extended to other humanitarian crises, including those closer to home.
“Why is Priyanka Gandhi silent on the persecution of Kashmiri Pandits? Why hasn’t she spoken about the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan?” asked a political analyst. “Her selective outrage reeks of hypocrisy and political convenience.”
BJP leaders also pointed out the Congress party’s historical failures in addressing communal issues, accusing the Gandhis of fostering division to secure electoral gains. “This family has a legacy of pandering to minority communities at the cost of national unity,” Patra stated during a press conference.
Critics have not held back in pointing out the stark contrast between Priyanka Gandhi’s vocal stance on Palestine and her silence on other humanitarian crises, like what is happening in Israel and Bangladesh. For instance, there has been little to no commentary from her on the plight of Uyghur Muslims in China, the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan, or even the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits within India.
“This cherry-picking of causes reveals a troubling double standard,” said BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia. “If human rights truly matter to her, why do they seem to matter selectively? The Congress party’s history is rife with such contradictions, making these symbolic gestures even more suspect.”
The BJP has been unequivocal in labelling Gandhi’s “Palestine” bag as an act of pandering aimed at consolidating minority votes. “This is a blatant attempt to woo a particular voter base while neglecting the broader concerns of Indian citizens,” said BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi. “At a time when the country is grappling with inflation, unemployment, and border security threats, this kind of stunt politics is insulting to voters.”
Furthermore, the Congress party’s history of appeasement politics has been cited as the backdrop to Gandhi’s actions. Critics argue that this gesture is part of a broader strategy to deflect from Congress’s waning influence and inability to present a coherent vision for India’s future.
Gandhi’s response to her critics—that their objections are rooted in patriarchy—has also drawn sharp rebuttals. BJP leader Smriti Irani dismissed this defense as a convenient shield to deflect from valid political critiques. “This isn’t about what she wears. It’s about using Parliament as a stage for shallow symbolism while ignoring pressing national issues,” Irani stated.
The framing of the backlash as gendered has further alienated some observers who view it as a tactic to avoid accountability. “Playing the patriarchy card when faced with legitimate criticism is a disservice to the cause of women’s empowerment,” said social activist Anjali Sharma.
Priyanka Gandhi’s actions have reignited debates about Congress’s diminishing credibility. With the party struggling to present a unified front and address core national issues, such gestures are increasingly viewed as distractions rather than meaningful interventions.
“This isn’t the leadership India needs,” said commentator Suresh Naidu. “India faces a plethora of challenges—economic, social, and geopolitical. Instead of addressing these, Congress seems to be chasing headlines with shallow symbolism.”
The broader implications of Priyanka Gandhi’s actions go beyond political theater. In a deeply polarised environment, such gestures can further entrench ideological divides. While her supporters view her as a symbol of progressive values, critics argue that her actions alienate voters seeking practical solutions to everyday challenges.
“India is a nation with diverse concerns, from infrastructure development to job creation,” said columnist Arvind Joshi. “Priyanka Gandhi’s focus on international issues, while ignoring domestic priorities, reflects a disconnection from the realities of Indian voters.”
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