Priyanka takes a leaf out of Indira Gandhi's global copy book

The symbolism and messaging in 'Palestine' and 'Bangladesh' bags are more important than the optics

- JAYANTA ROY CHOWDHURY

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, granddaughter of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has stirred political and diplomatic debates with her choice of accessories. It began with a Palestinian-themed bag and has now extended to Bangladesh-themed bags carried by Congress members.

When Priyanka carried a Palestinian bag to Parliament, it appeared to signal solidarity with Gaza's bombed civilians. Critics, however, accused her of overlooking the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, while some praised her for supporting India's official position in a "chic, fashionable way."

Though this symbolic gesture was overshadowed by the Parliamentary row involving her brother Rahul Gandhi, the underlying message resonates more with India's neighbours than its domestic electorate. To understand the implications of Priyanka's actions, we must look at history and current geopolitics.

Indira Gandhi was a master of balancing international relationships. In the 1970s, she openly fostered ties with Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian cause, to win over the oil-rich Arab world while covertly maintaining connections with Israel.

Jewish leader Isi Leibler recalls a 1981 conversation with Indira Gandhi, where she revealed the immense pressure she faced to shut down the Israeli consulate in Mumbai. Despite India's economic dependence on Arab petrodollars, she resisted such demands, demonstrating her strategic foresight.