Priyanka leads Congress demo against alleged torture on minorities in Bangladesh

Lawmakers of India's main opposition Congress, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, today staged a protest in parliament demanding justice for Hindus and Christians who are allegedly facing atrocities in Bangladesh.

The MPs protested with white canvas bags which had "Stand with minorities of Bangladesh" written on it. They raised slogans saying, "We want justice."

Priyanka Gandhi was seen carrying a beige handbag to parliament on which was written "Bangladesh ke Hindu aur Isaiyon ke saath khade ho" (translating to 'stand with the Hindus and Christians of Bangladesh').

This came a day after she expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, carrying a handbag with 'Palestine' emblazoned on it.

Speaking at the Lok Sabha (lower house of the parliament) on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi had said that "the [Indian] government should raise its voice and hold dialogues with the Bangladesh government" against what she claimed were atrocities on Hindus and Christians in Bangladesh.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay demanded the government make a statement in the house on the issue.

"The foreign secretary visited Bangladesh recently. Along with [TMC MP] Saugata Roy, I spoke to the External Affairs Minister the day before yesterday. Why is the government keeping mum? The house is running. Let us know what actual developments are taking place," Sudip said, demanding an immediate statement on the matter.

The issue was also raised by Shiv Sena MP Naresh Ganpat Mhaske who said it seemed like a "sin to be a Hindu, Sikh or a Jain there".