Rahul Gandhi to visit Germany amid Parliament's winter session
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will reportedly be traveling to Germany for a major Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) event in Berlin. The visit has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused him of neglecting his responsibilities as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In a post on X, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla took a dig at Gandhi, calling him "Videsh Nayak" for prioritizing foreign tours over parliamentary duties.
BJP
What BJP leader said
"Once again Videsh Nayak is doing what he does best ! Going for a foreign tour ! Parliament is on till 19th December but reports suggest Rahul Gandhi to visit Germany from Dec 15-20! Rahul is LoP - leader of paryatan," he wrote on X. "During Bihar elections too he was abroad and then in Jungle Safari."
Event details
IOC event to address NRI issues, strengthen Congress party
The IOC event in Berlin will bring together Indian diaspora leaders from across Europe. The agenda includes discussions on non-resident Indian (NRI) issues and ways to strengthen the Congress Party. Gandhi will address the Indian diaspora on December 17. Ausaf Khan, President of IOC Austria, expressed honor in hosting Gandhi and emphasized the importance of senior leaders like Sam Pitroda and Dr. Arathi Krishna at this gathering.
Diplomatic importance
Gandhi's visit to Germany has diplomatic significance: IOC UK
Vikram Duhan, General Secretary of the IOC UK, stressed on the diplomatic significance of Gandhi's visit. He said it would open avenues for dialogue between German lawmakers and the Indian community abroad. "The event will bring together all presidents of the IOC from across Europe, providing a unique platform to discuss key issues...on strengthening the Congress...NRI issues and exploring how the IOC can play a pivotal role in connecting more people to the party and spreading its ideology," IOC said.
Political allegations
Gandhi accuses Election Commission of colluding with BJP
Meanwhile, back in India, Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to "shape elections." He made these allegations while participating in a discussion on electoral reforms in Parliament. The Congress leader questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government removed the Chief Justice of India from the panel selecting Chief Election Commissioners and slammed the Centre for granting immunity to the CEC.