New Day, New Bag: Priyanka Gandhi Takes ‘Bangladesh’ Bag to Parliament, Day after ‘Palestine’ Bag Controversy

A day after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's "Palestine" bag stoked a massive controversy in Parliament, the Wayanad MP, along with other Congress MPs, was seen on Tuesday sporting tote bags that drew attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh. "Stand with Bangladeshi Hindus and Christians," read the cream-colored tote bags carried by the Congress MPs, referring to the recent attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh.

During her speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi called on the government to raise the issue of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. “The government should raise the issue of atrocities on minorities, both Hindus and Christians, in Bangladesh. We should discuss this with the Bangladesh government and support those who are in pain,” said Gandhi.

The Wayanad MP’s handbag emblazoned with the word "Palestine" became a point of political contention in the Parliament on Monday. BJP sharply criticized her for the bag's message, prompting Priyanka to defend her choice of accessory. "Who is going to decide what clothes I wear now? Who is going to decide that? That's typical patriarchy that you decide what women wear also. I don't subscribe to that. I will wear what I want," Priyanka retorted.

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT cell, accused Priyanka of "communal virtue signalling" under the guise of challenging patriarchy. “At the end of this Parliament session, observe a two-minute silence for everyone in the Congress who believed Priyanka Vadra was the solution. Sporting a bag in support of Palestine in Parliament is crass communal posturing,” Malviya posted on X.

“Tell them to do something about the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh, talk to the Bangladesh government, and not say stupid things,” Priyanka Gandhi said, hitting back at her critics.
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