Rahul Gandhi’s Malaysia Trip Sparks Row Amid Bihar Elections
Rahul Gandhi, the prominent Congress leader, is facing fresh backlash over his recent vacation to Malaysia’s scenic Langkawi island. Political rivals, especially from the BJP, are slamming the timing of the trip, calling it a classic case of "political tourism" that dodges key election duties.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi didn’t hold back in his criticism. He mocked Gandhi’s travels, saying, "His political tourism happens sometimes in India, sometimes abroad. At home, he boasts about defusing bombs and discarding guns, promising miracles. What he does overseas? Only he knows. We wish him well and hope this trip brings some wisdom." Naqvi’s sharp words highlight the growing frustration over Gandhi’s absences during critical times.
The controversy heats up as Gandhi’s trip overlaps with intense campaigning for the Bihar Assembly elections. Congress is a major player in the opposition INDI Alliance, and his absence has opponents questioning his commitment. While Congress leaders defend it as well-deserved personal time, the optics aren’t helping—the party looks distracted when Bihar voters need focus.
Even allies aren’t fully backing him. Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh shrugged it off, commenting, "It must be a personal matter. We’re not his personal assistant or public relations officer to track every trip. For the INDI Alliance, plenty of leaders can step up even without him." This subtle jab suggests Gandhi’s role is important but not irreplaceable in the alliance’s strategy.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya shared a tweet with a photo of Gandhi chilling in casual clothes in Malaysia. He quipped, "Looks like Bihar’s political heat and dust got too much for the Congress Yuvraj, so he rushed off for a break. Or is it one of those secret meetings no one should know about?" Malviya’s post went viral, amplifying the "Rahul Gandhi foreign trip" buzz and painting him as someone who vanishes when the going gets tough.
Rahul Gandhi’s international jaunts have long been a hot topic in Indian politics, often stirring debates about his priorities. Congress insiders maintain this Malaysia visit was a planned personal getaway, nothing more. But the narrative of "frequent disappearances" during election seasons keeps gaining steam, especially with Bihar polls on the horizon.
As the row unfolds, it raises bigger questions about leadership and strategy in the opposition camp. Will this trip hurt Congress’s chances in Bihar? Only time will tell, but for now, the political spotlight stays firmly on Rahul Gandhi’s Malaysia adventure.
