Today, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made headlines as she entered parliament carrying a bag labeled 'Palestine'. Her expression of support for Palestine isn't a mere coincidence. Recently, global celebrities have rallied in similar acts to show solidarity with those affected by Israeli strikes, especially children. Despite this, numerous pressing issues persist globally. Some might argue Priyanka is reacting late to the cause. However, decoding Priyanka's political strategy isn't straightforward. This isn't her first support for Palestine. During the Israeli strikes, she consistently tweeted in solidarity with the Palestinian victims. Recently, she met with Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, Palestine's ambassador to India, who congratulated her on her electoral victory in Wayanad.
Priyanka's Palestine Sentiment: A Signal to Akhilesh, Mamata, and Kejriwal
Priyanka's affection towards Palestine isn't a sudden awakening. She's aware that her battle is primarily with the opposition rather than the BJP. Priyanka and Rahul are currently prioritizing strategies to diminish the opposition. Regional parties like the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress, RJD, and the Aam Aadmi Party have notably weakened Congress by capturing Muslim and Dalit votes, sidelining Congress in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Delhi. This trend was evident in the Lok Sabha elections, where the Muslim and Dalit communities strongly supported Congress candidates. Congress aims to reclaim its previous voter base, paving a path to overtaking the opposition. This explains Rahul and Priyanka's visits to Sambhal and Hathras despite the absence of elections in UP. Congress acknowledges the significance of topics like the expansion of reservation limits and caste census to rally their historic core voters.
Voicing for Bangladeshi Hindus Could Be More Beneficial
Ever since the announcement of Priyanka attending parliament with a 'Palestine' bag, BJP supporters are tying her to an anti-Hindu sentiment. They express wishful thinking that Priyanka should have shown similar empathy for the Hindus being targeted in Bangladesh. Continuing her advocacy for victims in Gaza and Palestine, Priyanka marked the first anniversary of the Hamas-Israel conflict in October with criticism of Israel. During the surge in Gaza deaths, she accused Israel of violating international laws, claiming 7,000 fatalities including 3,000 children. Even during her Wayanad campaigns, she continuously raised the Palestine issue. Although she's consistently voiced for Bangladesh Hindus, her inaction in this regard remains conspicuous. The BJP benefits as Congress is perceived as anti-Hindu. Despite numerous analyses like the Antony Committee pointing to the lack of a Hindu-friendly image as a reason for Congress's downfall, they have made no attempts to shift this perception. In response to backlash over the 'Palestine' bag, Congress managed token damage control by expressing concern for Bangladeshi Hindus on Twitter. However, this alone won't suffice.
A Fit for Priyanka's Personal Politics
Priyanka Gandhi's concern for Palestinian victims aligns with her personal political strategy. Such acts draw the ire of BJP's opponents, which serves her political objectives. The current contest is about who emerges as BJP's primary adversary. Although such stances might not translate into electoral victories, they ensure Priyanka's prominence as a key opposition leader and media coverage. Recently, members of the INDIA coalition considered entrusting leadership to West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee, over Congress. This proactive stance reaffirms Congress as a primary anti-BJP party across India, consistently drawing national media attention each day. Thus, Priyanka Gandhi, within and outside the opposition, seeks to cement her and Congress's presence.
