Kiren Rijiju Questions Rahul Gandhi's Undeclared Foreign Trips Amid BJP Allegations
Rijiju raises concern over alleged undeclared foreign trips of Rahul Gandhi
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
Kiren Rijiju, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister of India, has raised concerns regarding alleged undeclared foreign trips by Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Rijiju emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to parliamentary rules, particularly regarding foreign travel disclosures.
- 01Rijiju stated that MPs must inform the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat three weeks before traveling abroad.
- 02The BJP claims that Gandhi's foreign trips over 22 years, totaling 54, have not been fully declared.
- 03BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the estimated cost of Gandhi's trips is nearly ₹60 crore ($7.2 million USD), while his declared income is around ₹11 crore ($1.3 million USD) over the past decade.
- 04Rijiju warned that if actions are taken against Gandhi, the government should not be blamed for targeting him.
- 05Under Section 6 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, MPs must inform the Ministry of Home Affairs if accepting foreign hospitality.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 15, 2026, Kiren Rijiju, India’s Parliamentary Affairs Minister, raised serious concerns regarding the alleged undeclared foreign trips of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Rijiju emphasized that all Members of Parliament (MPs) must adhere to strict rules regarding foreign travel, including notifying the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat three weeks in advance. He pointed out that Gandhi's failure to declare some of his 54 foreign trips over the past 22 years raises serious questions about compliance with parliamentary regulations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also targeted Gandhi, alleging discrepancies between the estimated costs of his trips, which are said to total nearly ₹60 crore ($7.2 million USD), and his declared income of approximately ₹11 crore ($1.3 million USD) over the last ten years. Rijiju stated that if any actions are initiated against Gandhi, the government should not be blamed for targeting him. The issue has also frustrated security agencies responsible for Gandhi's protection, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This scrutiny over Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips may affect public perception of transparency among MPs and could lead to calls for stricter regulations on foreign travel disclosures.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe MPs should be required to disclose all foreign trips?
Connecting to poll...
More about Bharatiya Janata Party
Chandra Mohan Patowary Takes Office as Pro-tem Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly
The Economic Times • May 16, 2026
BJP Workers Demand Liquor Ban in Jammu and Kashmir Amid Protests
The Economic Times • May 16, 2026
Opposition Criticizes Government Fuel Price Hike Amid Inflation Concerns
Business Standard • May 15, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.