Priyanka defends Rahul Gandhi's Berlin trip amid ongoing Parliament session
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his upcoming trip to Berlin during the Parliament's Winter Session. The BJP accused Gandhi of neglecting his duties in favor of foreign trips, dubbing him a "Leader of Paryatan" and "Leader of Partying." Union Minister Pralhad Joshi called Gandhi a "part-time, non-serious political leader," alleging he frequently travels abroad during important parliamentary sessions.
Counterattack
Congress defends Gandhi's trip, questions PM's foreign visits
In response to the BJP's criticism, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra defended her brother. She noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also frequently travels abroad and questioned why the Leader of the Opposition's travel was being scrutinized. "Modi ji spends almost half of his working time outside the country. Why are they raising questions about the Leader of the Opposition's visit?" she told reporters outside Parliament.
Maligning accusation
BJP resorts to maligning Gandhi when cornered: Congress
Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi also defended Gandhi, saying that the BJP resorts to maligning him when they don't have answers to his questions on poll irregularities. "When the BJP does not have an answer to Rahul Gandhi's questions, their only recourse is to confuse the public and tarnish his image," he told reporters.
Trip purpose
Gandhi's Berlin trip aims for global party engagement
Gandhi will reportedly travel to Berlin from December 15-20 to attend an Indian Overseas Congress event. The event on December 17 will see him interact with the Indian diaspora and IOC leaders from across Europe. The Indian Overseas Congress has called this trip a major outreach effort to strengthen global engagement and discuss key issues like NRI concerns and party strengthening.