Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Amid the controversy surrounding Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s “Palestine” bag, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized her, contrasting Congress’s stance with his government’s actions in sending the state’s youth to Israel for work.
“A Congress leader was roaming around in the Parliament carrying a bag with Palestine written on it, while we are sending the youth of Uttar Pradesh to Israel,” Adityanath remarked while addressing the state assembly.
He emphasized that “over 5,600 youth from Uttar Pradesh have already gone to Israel for construction work, where they receive ₹1.5 lakh per month in salary, free accommodation, food, and complete security.”
The remarks follow Monday’s Parliament session where Priyanka Gandhi’s bag with the word “Palestine” and symbolic emblems, including a watermelon—often seen as a solidarity symbol for Palestinians—triggered sharp criticism from the BJP. Priyanka dismissed the controversy, calling BJP’s remarks “useless things.”
India’s Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
The controversy arises amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since October 2023. India, while condemning the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, maintains a balanced foreign policy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India “strongly supports a negotiated two-state solution,” calling for a peaceful coexistence of Israel and Palestine within secure and recognized borders.
Priyanka Gandhi on Bangladesh Issue
Priyanka Gandhi also took a swipe at the Centre, urging it to address alleged atrocities against minorities and Hindus in Bangladesh. “Talks should be held with the Bangladesh government…something should be done regarding this. They should not say such useless things,” Priyanka told reporters.
The ongoing row over Priyanka’s “Palestine” bag has added fuel to the political debates, sharpening attacks between the BJP and Congress over their respective foreign policy stances.
