NEW DELHI: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised significant concerns regarding the foreign visits of Rahul Gandhi, asserting that Members of Parliament (MPs) are required to notify the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat at least three weeks in advance of any overseas travel. “It is not a permission but information. MPs can travel abroad, but they must provide notification,” Rijiju stated.
Additionally, he highlighted that if an MP accepts foreign hospitality, the costs covered by the inviting organization must adhere to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Rijiju noted that Rahul Gandhi, who has served as an MP since 2004, has reportedly made 54 foreign trips. “It is not limited to 54 trips, but also how many days he has spent outside India and the expenditures he has incurred,” he emphasized.
“The issue of Rahul Gandhi’s unannounced and announced foreign visits has raised serious questions,” Rijiju remarked, urging both Gandhi and the Congress party to comply with the necessary regulations. He specified that Gandhi is required to inform the Lok Sabha Speaker three weeks before any proposed foreign visit and that he must notify the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding any foreign hospitality he accepts under FCRA.
Rijiju also called on Gandhi to clarify who invited him and to disclose what expenses were incurred on his behalf by foreign entities. “Every Indian must abide by the laws of the country, especially MPs. If any actions are initiated, the government should not be held responsible for targeting Rahul Gandhi or any individual. The law applies to everyone,” he stated.
Furthermore, Rijiju questioned the duration of Gandhi’s stays abroad and the related expenditures from his foreign travels. Earlier, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that ₹60 crore was spent on Gandhi’s 54 foreign trips, demanding transparency. In response, the Congress party questioned why the BJP has not disclosed the expenses of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits.
