Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised serious concerns over Rahul Gandhi's foreign visits, stating that every Member of Parliament (MP) is required to inform the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat three weeks in advance before traveling abroad.
Information, Not Permission
Rijiju clarified that the requirement is not about seeking permission but providing information. "It is not a permission but information. MPs can travel abroad but information has to be given," he said. He added that if an MP accepts foreign hospitality, the expenditure borne by the inviting agency or organization must come under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
54 Reported Foreign Trips
Rijiju claimed that Rahul Gandhi, an MP since 2004, has made 54 reported foreign trips. "It is not limited to 54 trips but how many days he has stayed outside India and what are the expenditures he has incurred," he said. The minister emphasized that the matter of Gandhi's unannounced and announced foreign visits has raised serious questions.
Call for Rule Compliance
Rijiju requested Gandhi and the Congress party to follow the rules and inform the requisite information to the authorities. "He has to inform the Lok Sabha Speaker three weeks before the proposed foreign visit. If he has to accept foreign hospitality, he has to inform the Ministry of Home Affairs under FCRA," he said. Rijiju also asked Gandhi to specify who invited him and what expenditures were incurred in his name by agencies or organizations outside India.
"Every Indian has to abide by the laws of the country, especially the MPs. If anything happens, if some actions are initiated, the government should not be blamed for targeting Rahul Gandhi or a particular person. Law is for everyone," Rijiju said. He further questioned how many days Gandhi has stayed outside India and what expenditures he has incurred during his foreign travels.
Political Reactions
Earlier, BJP's Sambit Patra alleged that Rs 60 crore was spent on Gandhi's 54 foreign trips, demanding disclosure. The Congress party hit back, questioning why the BJP would not disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visit expenses.
