Post by : Meena Ariff

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to travel to Berlin, Germany, from December 15 to 20, 2025, to participate in an Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) event. This visit comes during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which is scheduled to conclude on December 19. The timing of the trip has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which has targeted Gandhi for traveling abroad while Parliament is in session.

BJP leaders have repeatedly referred to Rahul Gandhi as the “Leader of Paryatan” (tourism), claiming that he prioritizes international trips over his parliamentary responsibilities. BJP spokespersons and Union Ministers have accused him of being a “part-time politician” and of treating public office lightly. They argue that Gandhi’s overseas visits, including his current trip to Germany, reflect a lack of seriousness and commitment toward his role as the Leader of the Opposition. The party has also claimed that such trips are used to spread anti-India narratives rather than for productive engagement.

In response to these allegations, senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, have defended Rahul Gandhi’s international engagements. Priyanka Gandhi pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently travels abroad as part of his official duties, and questioned why similar scrutiny is not applied to him. Congress leaders argue that Rahul Gandhi’s visit is entirely legitimate, focusing on global outreach and engagement with the Indian diaspora rather than leisure travel.

Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, added that the BJP’s attacks are a diversionary tactic, used to avoid addressing serious questions raised by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament regarding alleged electoral irregularities. Congress insists that instead of criticizing opposition leaders for engaging with the diaspora, the government should focus on responding to pressing domestic issues and parliamentary accountability.

According to the Indian Overseas Congress, Rahul Gandhi’s Berlin visit is a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the party’s global presence. The event will bring together Presidents and senior representatives of the IOC from across Europe, providing a platform to discuss key issues affecting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), explore ways to strengthen the Congress Party, and promote the party’s ideology and outreach internationally. The IOC emphasized that the event is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration with the Indian diaspora, enhancing both political engagement and the party’s global network.

Overall, Rahul Gandhi’s trip highlights the continuing tension between the BJP and Congress regarding parliamentary duties, international engagement, and political outreach, reflecting broader debates on the responsibilities and priorities of India’s elected representatives.

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