BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Undisclosed Vietnam Trips, Raises National Security Concerns

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his repeated trips to Vietnam and other countries without public disclosure.

The BJP argued that such undisclosed travels are inappropriate for someone holding the position of Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and raised concerns about potential national security risks.

At a press briefing on Saturday, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned Gandhi’s apparent “extraordinary fondness” for Vietnam.

He stated, “New Year’s in Vietnam, Holi too in Vietnam? I have been told he has given 22 days’ time in Vietnam. He hasn’t even spent that much time in his own constituency, Rae Bareli.”

The BJP claimed that Gandhi’s frequent foreign visits, particularly while Parliament is in session, reflect poorly on his commitment to domestic political responsibilities.

BJP’s national IT cell head, Amit Malviya, echoed these concerns, stating that the Congress must clarify the details of Gandhi’s foreign trips.

“As the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi holds a crucial position, and his numerous clandestine trips abroad, especially while Parliament is in session, raise serious questions about propriety and national security,” Malviya said in a post on X.

Timing of Gandhi’s Vietnam Trip Draws Criticism

Rahul Gandhi’s latest visit to Vietnam took place during the ongoing Budget session in Parliament.

This trip also came just months after he traveled to Vietnam during the mourning period for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 last year.

The BJP had criticized Gandhi for leaving the country for New Year’s celebrations while the nation was mourning Singh’s death.

Malviya had previously commented, “Rahul Gandhi politicized and exploited Dr. Singh’s death for his expedient politics, but his contempt for him is unmissable.”

Prasad raised similar concerns at the press conference, questioning why Gandhi has shown such a strong preference for Vietnam.

“He is spending more time in Vietnam than in his constituency. What is the reason for his so much love for Vietnam suddenly? He needs to explain his extraordinary fondness for Vietnam. The frequency of his visit to that country is very curious,” Prasad remarked.

BJP Raises National Security Concerns

BJP leaders suggested that Gandhi’s undisclosed foreign travels could pose a threat to national security. They argued that as the Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi should be available in India, especially during key parliamentary sessions.

Prasad stated, “Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition and should be available in India.”

He further added that the Congress should clarify why Gandhi’s trips abroad are not disclosed to Parliament or made public.

Malviya reinforced this stance, stating that the secrecy surrounding Gandhi’s travels raises questions about his priorities and potential national security implications.

“Gandhi’s foreign trips have long been a source of BJP’s political attacks on him as the ruling party has sought to paint him as an unserious politician unfit for the cut and thrust of domestic politics,” Prasad added.

Congress Defends Gandhi’s Vietnam Visits

The Congress party has defended Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visits, asserting that he has the right to travel abroad as a private individual.

Congress leader Harish Rawat stated that Gandhi’s trips to Vietnam were for academic purposes. “He has gone there to study their economic model,” Rawat explained.

Congress has also accused the BJP of politicizing Gandhi’s private visits for political gain. They maintained that Gandhi’s foreign trips are not unusual and that he remains focused on his political responsibilities at home.

Previous Criticism Over Gandhi’s Foreign Travel

Gandhi’s previous visit to Vietnam during the mourning period for Manmohan Singh had sparked outrage from the BJP.

Malviya had then commented that Gandhi’s decision to travel abroad during a period of national mourning reflected poorly on his leadership.

The BJP also highlighted the fact that Gandhi had spent approximately 22 days in Vietnam, which they argued was more time than he had dedicated to his own constituency, Rae Bareli.

“He does not spend so many days in his constituency. What is the reason for his so much love for Vietnam suddenly?” Prasad questioned.

This pattern of foreign travel, especially during critical political moments, has led the BJP to accuse Gandhi of neglecting his domestic responsibilities.

They have argued that his absence from key parliamentary sessions undermines his role as Leader of the Opposition.

Political Implications and National Security Concerns

The BJP’s criticism reflects broader political tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.

By focusing on Gandhi’s foreign travel, the BJP aims to portray him as disengaged from national issues and out of touch with domestic political priorities.

Malviya’s comments about national security suggest that the BJP views Gandhi’s undisclosed trips as more than just a political issue.

The party’s focus on the lack of transparency surrounding these visits underscores concerns about potential diplomatic and security risks.

Meanwhile, Congress has stood by Gandhi, defending his right to travel and dismissing the BJP’s allegations as politically motivated.

The political fallout from this controversy is likely to continue as both parties position themselves ahead of future elections.