The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday raised questions over the apparent mismatch between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's declared income and the expenses incurred on his foreign trips over the past two decades. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that Gandhi undertook 54 foreign trips in the last 22 years, with a cumulative expenditure of Rs 60 crore.
Details of the Allegations
Patra claimed that the expenses on these trips far exceed Gandhi's known sources of income, suggesting financial irregularities. He demanded a thorough investigation into the funding of these travels, which he said included luxury accommodations and high-end travel arrangements. The BJP spokesperson also questioned the purpose of the trips, many of which were described as personal or political visits.
Political Reactions
The Congress party has dismissed the allegations as a baseless attack aimed at diverting attention from key national issues. Congress leaders accused the BJP of resorting to smear campaigns ahead of upcoming elections. Rahul Gandhi has not yet responded to the specific claims, but his office reiterated that all foreign travels were conducted in compliance with legal and ethical norms.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions, with both parties trading accusations over financial transparency and governance. The BJP's move is seen as an attempt to corner Gandhi on accountability, while the Congress views it as a tactic to undermine opposition credibility.
