BJP criticises Rahul Gandhi over foreign trip as opposition protests pause for Navratri

Foreign Trip

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has travelled abroad while protests against the Election Commission are paused for the Navratri festival, according to the BJP. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Gandhi of going abroad to do what he does best, alleging he spends more time on celebrations than on work. Bhandari also questioned his actions while chanting about stolen votes.

BJP Allegations

Asianet News Malayalam reported that a passenger filmed Gandhi sitting in business class on a flight to Vietnam, with the BJP sharing this video on social media with mocking remarks about travelling after lying. BJP leader R.P. Singh criticised Gandhi for being abroad instead of in India during Navratri and Vijayadashami, calling it a lack of seriousness towards Indian culture. The BJP also questioned who Gandhi is meeting abroad and suggested his trip is part of efforts to overthrow the NDA government.

Congress Stance

Congress circles indicated that protest events were temporarily paused because party workers and leaders needed to return to their home constituencies for the festive season. Following protests in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a visit to Goa, Gandhi embarked on this trip. The Congress party has not officially released any details regarding his private journey.

Context

Political parties in India frequently spar over the personal travel of top leaders during festival seasons and active political campaigns. Such overseas trips by prominent opposition figures often spark intense public debates and social media exchanges between rival political groups.