BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi escalated a political war of symbols by gifting Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra a tote bag emblasoned with the year “1984” in blood-red, dripping numerals. The gesture, aimed at invoking the horrors of the anti-Sikh riots taking lives of thousands of Sikhs following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
Sarangi framed the act as an attempt to spotlight the Congress party’s complicity in the pogroms, which claimed the lives of thousands of Sikhs in a nationwide eruption of violence. “The honourable MP is very fond of bags, so I gifted her one. She was initially hesitant but then accepted it,” said Sarangi, adding, “It is crucial for today’s generation to know what Congress did in the last 50 years.”
The numerals on the bag appeared smeared with blood, a stark reminder of the carnage that unfolded in 1984. The BJP MP stated that her gesture was a direct response to Priyanka Gandhi’s recent series of politically charged tote bags, which included references to Palestine and the plight of Bangladeshi minorities.
On December 16, when she walked into Parliament carrying a bag prominently emblasoned with the word “Palestine” and decorated with Palestinian symbols, including a watermelon—an internationally recognised emblem of resistance. The gesture, perceived as a statement of solidarity with Palestinians, comes against the backdrop of her vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Gandhi’s choice of accessory, which bore a clear pro-Palestinian message, was captured by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed and widely shared on social media. The move follows a recent meeting between Gandhi and Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the acting head of the Palestine Embassy in New Delhi. During the meeting, held at Gandhi’s residence in Delhi, Jazer congratulated her on her election victory from Wayanad and discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He urged India to take a leadership role in advocating for a ceasefire and supporting Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
This gesture aligns with Gandhi’s history of strong statements against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Over the years, she has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of “genocidal actions” and “barbarism,” urging global leaders to denounce such actions and pressure Israel to halt its military campaigns.
On December 17, Gandhi followed up her Palestine tote bag with another emblasoned with “Bangladesh,” highlighting the persecution of minorities in the neighbouring country. Other Congress leaders joined her, carrying similar bags in Parliament, demanding that the Indian government press Dhaka to ensure minority safety. However, many called this act a political gimmick as Congress has nothing to do with the interests of minorities living in Bangladesh, and this is a very evident fact.
BJP countered with Sarangi’s incendiary gift, a reminder of Congress’s failures to address the Sikh Genocide of 1984. “Priyanka Gandhi wants to talk about Palestine and Bangladesh but remains silent about the atrocities committed during her party’s regime,” Sarangi declared, pointing to the dripping red numerals on the tote bag.
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