‘Leader Of Paryatan’: BJP Mocks Rahul Gandhi For Germany Trip While Parliament In Session

As the winter session of Parliament proceeds, Rahul Gandhi's decision to travel to Germany has ignited a fresh wave of criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with leaders branding him a "Leader of Paryatan" (tourism). The BJP's attack centers on the timing of the visit, which coincides with ongoing parliamentary proceedings, with the opposition party questioning Gandhi's commitment to his duties as a Member of Parliament.

Shehzad Poonawalla, a prominent BJP leader, took to social media platform X to mock the Congress leader, labeling him "Videsh Nayak" (Foreign Hero) for allegedly prioritizing a foreign tour over his responsibilities as Leader of Opposition. Poonawalla highlighted Gandhi's scheduled attendance at a major Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) event in Berlin on December 17, where he is expected to meet with IOC leaders from across Europe.

The BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Rahul Gandhi's "frequent foreign travels" raise "serious questions about propriety and national security". Malviya emphasized the importance of the Congress party clarifying the details of these trips, which he claims are "neither disclosed to Parliament nor made public".

Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad also weighed in on the matter, questioning the rationale behind Gandhi's latest visit. The BJP's criticism suggests that Gandhi is defaming India on his foreign trips.

The Congress party has yet to issue an official response to the BJP's accusations. However, the controversy has sparked a debate on the role and responsibilities of elected officials, particularly during parliamentary sessions.

This isn't the first time Rahul Gandhi's foreign travels have drawn scrutiny. In March 2023, the BJP criticized the Congress party for allegedly celebrating reactions from Germany and the United States regarding Gandhi's disqualification from Parliament. The BJP accused Gandhi of "inviting foreign powers for interference into India's internal matters".

The current parliamentary session is scheduled to continue until December 19. Key discussions include debates on electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha. Opposition members of parliament in the Lok Sabha have urged a return to paper ballot voting.