‘Palestine is not just a regional issue but a humanitarian one,’ the Congress leader responds to objections
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – “Who is 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,” Congress leader and Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told media persons on Monday.
She was responding to the controversy surrounding her use of a ‘Free Palestine’ bag that sparked objections in Parliament. The incident, which quickly garnered media attention and led to sharp reactions from opposition parties, has now become the centre of a heated debate.
The image of Priyanka Gandhi carrying a ‘Free Palestine’ bag was first shared on social media platform X by Congress spokesperson Dr Shama Mohamed.
“Priyanka Gandhi Ji shows her solidarity with Palestine by carrying a special bag symbolising her support.
“A gesture of compassion, commitment to justice and humanity! She is clear that nobody can violate the Geneva Convention,” the spokesperson captioned the image.
The image triggered a storm of objections from several political leaders, who questioned the appropriateness of the slogan in the Indian political context, especially within Parliament.
Addressing the issue, Priyanka Gandhi clarified that the bag was not a deliberate political statement but rather a “personal item with symbolic significance.” She stated: “I have always stood for peace, justice, and the rights of the oppressed people globally. However, this should not be misinterpreted as a deviation from India’s diplomatic stance or a violation of parliamentary decorum.”
“Palestine is not just a regional issue but a humanitarian one. Supporting justice for oppressed people does not imply opposition to others,” she added, seeking to clarify her position.
However, critics from the ruling party and certain sections of the opposition have accused her of trying to bring international issues into India’s domestic political discourse. Some leaders argued that the display of such slogans within Parliament was inappropriate and could undermine India’s balanced foreign policy.
Responding to the backlash, Congress spokespersons defended Priyanka, stating that the objections were being unnecessarily politicised. “She carried a personal item; it should not be blown out of proportion. The BJP and other parties are using this as a distraction from pressing domestic issues,” said a Congress representative.
The issue has also ignited a broader public debate on freedom of expression and its boundaries within public and parliamentary spaces. Supporters of Gandhi have taken to social media to express solidarity, emphasising the importance of supporting humanitarian causes worldwide.