New Delhi [India]: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday took a stand in Parliament, carrying a cloth bag supporting minorities in Bangladesh and protesting the alleged atrocities against them. Priyanka, who had previously faced criticism from BJP MPs for carrying a bag with “Palestine” written on it, shared her stance on social media, where she condemned the persecution of Hindus and Christians in Bangladesh.
Key Moments:
- Priyanka Gandhi’s Protest: The Wayanad MP was seen with a tote bag that read “Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaayion ke saath khadey ho” (Stand with Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh), alongside other opposition MPs. They staged a protest inside Parliament, demanding that the Central Government take action and initiate a discussion on the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
- Message on Narrow-Mindedness: Priyanka Gandhi also posted a Sanskrit quote, which translates to, “This is mine, that is someone else’s” – petty thoughts harbored by narrow-minded individuals. Noble people consider the entire world as their family. She added that unlike narrow-minded people who create divisions, those with high character consider all humans equal.
- Opposition’s Shift: The protest marks a significant shift in the Opposition’s approach to minority issues, as they have typically raised concerns over the treatment of Muslims in India and globally. By focusing on the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, they are signaling a broader concern for all minorities.
- BJP’s Response: Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, expressed surprise at the Opposition’s stance. He noted that the Congress and other opposition parties had previously focused only on Muslim issues and suggested that the Opposition’s protest for Hindus in Bangladesh was a response to Prime Minister Modi’s influence. He quipped, “Perhaps this is Modi magic.”
- Priyanka’s Retort: Priyanka Gandhi had earlier responded to BJP’s accusations regarding the “Palestine” bag, calling them “useless things” and arguing that instead of discussing such matters, the government should focus on addressing the atrocities in Bangladesh.
This protest signifies growing opposition efforts to highlight minority rights across borders, adding a new dimension to the national discourse.