The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, following reports of his visit to Vietnam. Senior BJP leader and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi led the charge, alleging that Gandhi's foreign tours are consistently used to promote narratives that damage India's global image.
Allegations of Anti-National Propaganda
In a strongly-worded critique, Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress leader of being "infamous for his tour with anti-national propaganda." Trivedi claimed that during his overseas visits, Rahul Gandhi is frequently seen engaging with individuals known for holding anti-India views or making statements that provide fodder to the country's critics abroad. The BJP MP suggested a pattern where these foreign trips become platforms for commentary perceived as harmful to national interests.
Questioning the Source of Invitations
Trivedi raised pointed questions about the nature of the invitations extended to the Congress leader. He questioned who exactly invites Rahul Gandhi abroad, highlighting a contrast with his domestic standing. The BJP leader pointed out that, according to him, Gandhi does not receive invitations from Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states within India, nor from educational institutions in the country. This line of attack was used to cast doubt on the purpose and backing behind his international engagements.
The BJP spokesperson demanded clarity from the Congress party regarding these overseas activities. He called for a full explanation on the objectives and the entities involved in facilitating Rahul Gandhi's visit to Vietnam, insisting on transparency for such diplomatic-adjacent engagements by a prominent political figure.
The Ongoing Political Tussle
This incident, dated January 3, 2026, is the latest in a series of political skirmishes between the ruling BJP and the principal opposition party. Criticisms of foreign tours have become a recurring theme, with the BJP often framing them as efforts to tarnish India's reputation on the global stage. The party's strategy involves positioning itself as the sole guardian of national dignity while painting the opposition's international outreach as suspect.
The Congress party is yet to issue a detailed counter-statement to these specific allegations at the time of this report. The political discourse is expected to intensify as both sides gear up for ongoing parliamentary and public debates, where foreign policy and national image remain potent topics.
