BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi’s Berlin Visit During Winter Session, Congress Responds Strongly

New Delhi | December 10, 2025 Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is once again at the centre of a political storm as the BJP targets his upcoming foreign trip during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Gandhi is scheduled to travel to Berlin from December 15 to 20 to attend an event organised by the Indian Overseas Congress. Since the Winter Session concludes on December 19, the BJP has accused him of skipping parliamentary responsibilities for another overseas visit. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called him the “Leader of Paryatan” and even the “Leader of Partying,” saying that Gandhi appears to be in a permanent holiday mode. He alleged that Gandhi often travels abroad during important political moments and suggested that his trips are part of what he called a “Bharat badnami tour,” claiming that Gandhi uses such platforms to criticise India. He also recalled Gandhi’s jungle safari during the Bihar elections, asserting that his priorities remain unclear. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi echoed the criticism, saying that Rahul Gandhi frequently steps out of the country when Parliament is in session and later claims that he is not given enough opportunities to speak. Joshi described him as a part-time and non-serious political leader, adding that staying absent during crucial discussions sends the wrong message. The Congress, however, has hit back firmly. Priyanka Gandhi defended her brother, saying that the Prime Minister travels abroad far more frequently, yet the BJP questions only the Leader of the Opposition. She argued that Rahul Gandhi has every right to attend party-related events and meet supporters abroad, especially when such visits are planned well in advance. Gaurav Gogoi, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, also criticised the BJP’s comments. He said that the ruling party raises such objections only because it does not have answers to Rahul Gandhi’s questions on issues like poll irregularities. According to him, when the government is unable to respond to the Opposition leader on policy matters, it resorts to personal attacks to divert attention. The Indian Overseas Congress has described the Berlin visit as an important outreach programme. According to the organisation, Gandhi will meet members of the Indian diaspora and IOC leaders from various European countries. The event on December 17 aims to discuss concerns of non-resident Indians, strengthen party connections abroad, and explore ways in which the IOC can help expand the Congress party’s global network and engagement. With both sides exchanging sharp remarks, the debate around Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trip has added another layer of tension to an already heated Winter Session. While the BJP questions the timing and seriousness of the visit, the Congress maintains that political outreach abroad is an essential part of party work. As Gandhi prepares for the Berlin engagement, the political back-and-forth is likely to continue through the rest of the BJP Criticises Rahul Gandhi’s Berlin Visit During Winter Session, Congress Responds Strongly Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming visit to Berlin has sparked a fresh round of political attacks, with the BJP questioning his decision to travel abroad while the Winter Session of Parliament is still on. Gandhi will be in Germany from December 15 to 20 for an event organised by the Indian Overseas Congress, while the session ends on December 19. This timing has led the BJP to accuse him of ignoring his responsibilities as Leader of the Opposition. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called him the “Leader of Paryatan” and even the “Leader of Partying,” claiming that Gandhi is always travelling and not serious about national issues. He also referred to Gandhi’s previous trips, including a jungle safari during the Bihar elections, to say his priorities are misplaced. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi added that Gandhi often leaves the country when Parliament is in session and then complains that he is not given a chance to speak. The Congress has strongly defended him. Priyanka Gandhi questioned why the BJP raises objections only to Rahul Gandhi’s travel plans when, according to her, the Prime Minister spends a large part of his time abroad as well. She said that attending events and meeting supporters overseas is also part of political responsibility. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi said the attacks show that the BJP does not have answers to Rahul Gandhi’s questions on poll-related issues and chooses to target him personally instead. The Indian Overseas Congress described the Berlin event as an important meet where Gandhi will interact with the Indian diaspora and leaders from across Europe. They said the visit aims to strengthen the party’s global network, discuss NRI concerns and explore ways to connect more people with the Congress. With both parties trading sharp comments, the debate over the trip has become another flashpoint in an already heated session.