Priyanka Gandhi makes statement of solidarity with Palestine by carrying symbolic handbag in Parliament
PTC Web Desk: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi made a bold statement of solidarity with Palestine during a session of Parliament on Monday. She arrived with a handbag emblazoned with the message “Palestine will be free,” accompanied by symbols associated with Palestinian unity, including a white dove (a symbol of peace) and a watermelon, which is seen as a symbol of Palestinian identity. The bag also featured the Palestinian flag's colours—red, green, black, and white.
This move follows Priyanka’s consistent stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In June 2024, she had sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s defense of military actions in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of committing atrocities and genocide. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Priyanka called on people and governments around the world to condemn the Israeli government's actions and take steps to halt the violence.
When questioned about the symbolism of her bag, Priyanka Gandhi responded firmly, emphasising that she has repeatedly expressed her views and will not be dictated to on what to wear. She likened the criticism of her choice to the patriarchal norms that historically dictated what women should wear, saying, “I don’t believe in these norms; I will wear what I want.”
The bag itself featured eight key symbols associated with Palestine, including the kaffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian headscarf, olive branches, Palestinian embroidery, and the iconic dove of peace. These symbols are often used to express solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israeli policies.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to result in immense casualties. Over 45,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict, which has been raging for over a year. Senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, but no new leadership has emerged in Gaza since their deaths.
In addition to her support for Palestine, Priyanka raised concerns in Parliament over the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the Indian government to speak out against the violence faced by Hindus and Christians there.
- With inputs from agencies
