NEW DELHI: Tensions between Congress and BJP MPs flared again at the Makar Gate of Parliament with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sounding a “yeh mere saath mat kariyo (don’t do this with me)” warning to BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi. Priyanka was annoyed over having been ambushed by Sarangi, formerly of the IAS, who presented her a tote which had ‘Genocide of Sikhs’ prominently displayed on it: a reference to the massacre of Sikhs in 1984 for which the Rajiv Gandhi govt has been blamed.

The incident unfolded as both MPs were entering Lok Sabha. Sarangi, in what was obviously a well-planned manoeuvre, handed the bag to Priyanka. The Congress MP from Wayanad accepted the surprise “gift” from a political rival and thanked Sarangi. However, her demeanour changed when she saw the ‘Genocide’ message. The exchange, charged with political symbolism, caught the attention of fellow MPs.
Meanwhile, Trinamool member Derek O’Brien on Friday claimed that chairman Dhankhar spoke for “nearly 30%” of the time that the upper House functioned in the winter session and asked if he had set a “new record” in Parliament.