Rahul Gandhi's Vietnam Visit: Rawat Defends LoP's Absence During National Mourning
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New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's journey to Vietnam during the national mourning period for the late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was characterized on Monday as a 'study tour' by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Congress figure Harish Rawat.
Rawat stated, “I believe he has gone to Vietnam to examine its economy and social structure, which currently serve as a model. He is there to learn about their economic model...” in an interview with IANS.
This explanation marks one of the initial justifications from the Congress regarding the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, taking an international trip just prior to New Year’s Eve.
Harish Rawat mentioned that he has not yet communicated with Rahul Gandhi but expressed his belief that the LoP would not engage in any misconduct.
He questioned, “After a challenging and busy election year, if he, as an individual, chooses to take a break, why is the BJP trying to politicize this?” He referred to the BJP as a 'trollers’ brigade.'
Reports regarding Rahul Gandhi's overseas travel during the seven-day mourning period following the passing of India’s 14th Prime Minister sparked a cycle of accusations and rebuttals between the BJP and Congress.
The BJP alleged that Gandhi was 'prioritizing' his New Year vacation over the legacy of late Dr. Manmohan Singh, as numerous reports suggested that the Congress MP had traveled abroad to celebrate New Year.
This controversy arose amidst intense political exchanges between the two parties, initially concerning the Congress’ claims of disrespect towards Dr. Singh during his cremation at the city’s Nigambodh Ghat, followed by the BJP’s counter-accusation regarding senior Congress leaders and the Gandhis missing the ash immersion ceremonies.
The BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media to criticize the Congress MP for his trip during the period of national mourning, stating, “While the country mourns the passing of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to celebrate the New Year.”
Congress leader Manickam Tagore responded on X, stating, “If Mr. Gandhi travels privately, why does it concern you? Wishing you a healthy New Year.”
