News Desk: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday refused to comment on Rahul Gandhi’s reported foreign trip amid the ongoing political controversy over the Congress leader’s absence from protests in Delhi. Responding to questions from reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Tharoor said he was “not a travel agent” and argued that every individual had their own responsibilities.
Tharoor was asked why Gandhi had reportedly travelled abroad while Opposition leaders were protesting against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. According to news agency PTI, Tharoor declined to offer an explanation for Gandhi’s travel plans.
“I am not a travel agent. There is no point in asking me that question. Why did I leave Delhi and come here now? Every person has certain responsibilities. So, I cannot comment on that,” Tharoor told reporters.
His remarks came after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted Gandhi over his reported foreign visit, accusing the Congress leader of avoiding political responsibilities after leading protests against the Election Commission.
BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi
The BJP intensified its criticism by sharing a purported video on social media platform X showing Gandhi seated inside a business-class aircraft cabin. In its post, the party mocked the Congress leader over the reported trip and questioned his commitment to the Opposition’s campaign.
BJP spokesperson RP Singh also criticised Gandhi, alleging that he frequently travelled abroad after participating in political campaigns. Referring to Gandhi’s recent participation in the Bihar campaign, Singh claimed that the Congress leader had previously gone abroad for an extended period.
BJP leader Shazia Ilmi also questioned Gandhi’s priorities, suggesting that his reported foreign visit raised concerns about his commitment to the Opposition’s political activities.
INDIA Bloc’s Protest Against CEC
The controversy comes amid the INDIA bloc’s campaign seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls. Gandhi had participated in several protests and marches in Delhi alongside other Opposition leaders. He and several leaders were detained during some of these demonstrations.
The reported foreign trip also follows Gandhi’s participation in the Congress-led Goa Rakhon Yatra in the poll-bound state. Reports suggest that he is expected to remain abroad for four days.
Congress Defends Gandhi
The Congress dismissed the BJP’s criticism, describing the controversy over Gandhi’s travel as unnecessary. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said Gandhi was reportedly taking a short break of two or three days and questioned why the visit had become a political issue.
Venugopal also announced that the INDIA bloc would organise a major protest against Gyanesh Kumar on November 1.
Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit defended Gandhi’s foreign visits, arguing that they often involve interactions with students and intellectuals.
The political exchange has added another layer to the ongoing confrontation between the BJP and the Congress over the Election Commission, electoral roll revisions and the Opposition’s protest campaign.
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