NEW DELHI, Dec 10: The BJP on Wednesday launched a strong critique of Rahul Gandhi over his frequent foreign trips as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, questioning his “compulsion” to undertake what it termed “secret travels” abroad.
Speaking at a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha alleged that Gandhi does not share the itinerary of his official or unofficial trips, asking, “What is he hiding from the country?” Sinha also mocked Gandhi, calling him the “leader of paryatan” (tourism) and “leader of partying,” ahead of his scheduled six-day visit to Germany from December 15 to 20.
During this trip, Gandhi is expected to engage with the Indian diaspora and meet German ministers.
The BJP claimed that Gandhi frequently skips important parliamentary sessions and national occasions.
Sinha highlighted previous foreign trips, including one during the vice-presidential poll in September and another during the Bihar assembly elections, alleging that Gandhi’s visits often lack transparency.
Sinha also raised questions about Gandhi’s South America visit, suggesting it might have been linked to influencing international figures regarding awards such as the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize.
He further insinuated that Gandhi might be planning his political retirement and emphasized that intelligence agencies are monitoring his activities, warning that action would be taken if limits were crossed.
The BJP’s criticism extended to Gandhi’s perceived neglect of parliamentary responsibilities. Sinha argued that Gandhi’s absence during key sessions, when important bills are listed for consideration, undermines his role as LoP.
He claimed that the Opposition has made a habit of blaming electronic voting machines (EVMs) or alleging vote manipulation whenever they lose elections, but now raises questions over Gandhi’s foreign trips.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also mocked Gandhi on social media, calling him “Videsh Nayak” (foreign hero) and highlighting that his Germany trip coincides with an ongoing Parliament session.
In response, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended Rahul Gandhi, questioning why the BJP is scrutinizing the LoP when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spends a significant portion of his working time abroad. She suggested that the BJP’s attack on Gandhi is politically motivated.
The debate underscores ongoing political tensions over the role of the LoP, transparency in overseas visits, and the expectation that senior opposition leaders remain present during key legislative sessions.
Overall, the BJP framed Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trips as neglect of domestic duties and a lack of accountability, while the Congress defended his international engagements as legitimate political activity, highlighting a clash over parliamentary responsibility and public perception of leadership roles. (PTI)
