Congress accused of Muslim appeasement

Politics has heated up in Parliament over Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s ‘support-Palestine’ bag. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized it, calling it a symbol of Congress’s policy of Muslim appeasement. Taking direct aim at Priyanka Gandhi, BJP leaders raised the question as to whose message she wants to give.

BJP’s allegation: Congress has become ‘new Muslim League’

Senior BJP leaders called this step of Priyanka Gandhi a part of Congress’s Muslim appeasement politics.

• Anurag Thakur’s statement: The BJP MP said that Priyanka Gandhi is only interested in making fashion statements. She never raised her voice on the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, but by coming to Parliament carrying a pro-Palestine bag, she is trying to create a different image.
• Amit Malviya’s attack: The BJP IT cell chief described Congress as the “Muslim League of the modern age”. He termed Priyanka Gandhi a bigger “disaster” than Rahul Gandhi and taunted that two minutes of silence should be observed at the end of the winter session for the Congress.
• Anirban Ganguly’s allegation: Accusing Priyanka Gandhi of not having knowledge of geopolitics, the BJP leader said that her move reflects the “old anti-Hindu mentality” of the Congress.

Priyanka Gandhi’s befitting reply

Priyanka Gandhi gave a sharp reply to these attacks of BJP and said that no one can decide what she will wear or what her bag will be like.

• Attack on patriarchal thinking: Describing BJP’s thinking as patriarchal, Priyanka said she did not want to pay attention to the “useless talk” of the saffron party.
• Atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh: Priyanka advised BJP that instead of commenting on people’s attire, they should focus on the atrocities being committed on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He said that the government should talk to Bangladesh on this issue and ensure the safety of minorities.

Beginning of controversy: Why politics on ‘Palestine Bag’?

A bag was seen in Priyanka Gandhi’s hand in Parliament, on which ‘Free Palestine’ was written. This picture went viral on social media and BJP made it an issue and started attacking Congress.

• BJP’s argument: BJP says that this step of Priyanka Gandhi shows Congress’s favoritism in international politics, which is more related to the issues internal to India and neighboring countries.
• Congress’s clarification: Congress claims that this is Priyanka Gandhi’s personal choice and giving it a political color is completely unfair.

Issue of atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh

BJP also raised questions on Priyanka Gandhi as to why she never gave any statement regarding the atrocities on Hindus and minorities in neighboring Bangladesh.

• BJP’s question: When Priyanka Gandhi can show support for Palestine, why does she remain silent on violence against Hindus in Bangladesh?
• Priyanka’s reaction: Priyanka stressed the need to discuss the situation of Hindu minorities of Bangladesh and said that BJP should take concrete steps on this issue.

BJP vs Congress: Political Strategy or Polarisation?

This controversy has become another example of political polarization.

• BJP’s strategy: BJP is trying to strengthen the Hindu vote bank by accusing Congress of Muslim appeasement.
• Congress’s answer: Calling it a strategy to divert attention, Congress said that BJP is creating such controversies to avoid real issues.

Palestine issue: relation to international politics

The message of ‘Free Palestine’ is related to the dispute between Israel and Palestine.

• India’s stance: India has always taken a balanced stance on this issue. However, the current government is prioritizing strong ties with Israel.
• Priyanka’s hint: This step of Priyanka Gandhi may show her personal views on an international issue, but it may be wrong to call it a part of Congress’s policy.

Reactions on social media

Supporters of both sides have become active regarding this issue on social media.

• BJP Supporter: This step of Priyanka Gandhi is being described as proof of Muslim appeasement and anti-Hindu mentality.
• Congress Supporter: This is considered Priyanka Gandhi’s freedom and right to express her views on international issues.