The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday over his alleged foreign visit, as opposition parties continued their protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJP shared a video on X that purportedly showed Gandhi travelling on a flight to Vietnam, taking a swipe at him over his absence amid the political confrontation.
The Congress, however, defended Gandhi's foreign trips, accusing the BJP of unnecessarily targeting him. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit questioned why the opposition leader's travel was being made an issue and cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overseas visits during Parliament sessions to counter the BJP's criticism.
BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Alleged Vietnam Visit
The BJP posted a video on X purportedly showing Rahul Gandhi aboard a flight to Vietnam. The party used the clip to criticise the Congress leader while the opposition continued its campaign against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Taking a dig at Gandhi, the BJP said, “Too tired of spreading lies. Let me tour Vietnam for a while, who would get to know”
Congress Defends Rahul Gandhi's Foreign Trips
Responding to the BJP's criticism, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit questioned why Gandhi's overseas visits were being singled out. He argued that the Leader of Opposition has official responsibilities and regularly engages with students and intellectuals abroad.
“Who travels where and when... what is the issue? Do others not travel abroad? Rahul Gandhi is an individual and the leader of the opposition. He has his duties. He interacts with students at Yale University, meets students in London and engages with intellectuals there. He even gives press interviews, something the Prime Minister does not do,” Dikshit said.
Sandeep Dikshit Questions PM Modi's Foreign Visits During Parliament Sessions
Dikshit also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overseas travel during parliamentary sessions while challenging the BJP's objections to Gandhi's alleged trip.
“We also have a tradition that the Prime Minister does not travel abroad when the Lok Sabha is in session. But our PM broke that tradition. Why does no question arise at that time?” he asked.
Rahul Gandhi Leads Opposition Campaign Against SIR
Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of the opposition's campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The opposition has demanded Kumar's resignation amid allegations concerning the revision exercise.
[With TOI inputs]