The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised questions regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s frequent visits to Vietnam, suggesting that he is spending more time there than in his constituency, Rae Bareli. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad noted that Gandhi was in Vietnam during both the New Year and Holi, accumulating approximately 22 days abroad. Prasad called on Gandhi to explain his “extraordinary fondness” for Vietnam.
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT department, expressed concerns about the timing of Gandhi’s trips, especially during parliamentary sessions, suggesting that such undisclosed travel raises questions about propriety and national security.
In response, Congress leader Harish Rawat defended Gandhi’s visits, stating that they were undertaken to study Vietnam’s economic model. Rawat questioned why the BJP was politicizing Gandhi’s personal travel, especially after a demanding election year.
This exchange underscores the political tensions surrounding scrutiny of public figures’ travel activities and the differing narratives provided by the parties involved.