BJP Intensifies Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Foreign Travel Expenses

File photo: Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday intensified its attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by posting a series of allegations regarding his foreign travels over the past 22 years, claiming there was a major mismatch between his declared income and expenditure on overseas visits. In a series of posts on X, the BJP claimed Gandhi had made “54 traceable foreign trips” to destinations including London, New York, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Maldives and Dubai, along with what it described as a “secret Oman visit”. The ruling party alleged that the total estimated cost of these trips was around Rs 60 crore, covering first-class travel, private charters, five-star hotels, entourage expenses and security arrangements. BJP further claimed Gandhi’s declared income over the last decade stood at around Rs 11 crore. The party said one Southeast Asia trip in 2015 allegedly cost Rs 4.5 crore, which it claimed was “5.2 times” his annual declared income for that year. 'Who paid for your globetrotting?', BJP further questioned Gandhi.

BJP raises FCRA, tax and disclosure questions

In a series of detailed posts, the BJP questioned the source of funds behind Gandhi’s foreign travel and alleged possible violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and income tax laws. The party claimed no public records existed showing approvals from the Union home ministry under Section 6 of the FCRA, which mandates MPs and political office-bearers to seek prior permission before accepting foreign hospitality. “Foreign sources footing bills for an Indian Opposition leader during sensitive times? This screams serious FCRA breach,” the BJP said in one of its posts. The party also alleged there was no reflection of the travel expenditure in Gandhi’s Income Tax returns, Lokpal declarations or asset disclosures, questioning the absence of bank statements, forex records and expenditure details. BJP further referred to a CRPF communication dated September 10, 2025, alleging that several foreign visits by Gandhi were undertaken without mandatory security protocol disclosures. The party linked the issue to Gandhi’s recent visit to Oman earlier this month.

BJP leaders demand clarification

On Friday, Union minister Kiren Rijiju had termed the allegations “very serious” and urged Gandhi to disclose details of his foreign visits to the relevant authorities. “My request to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party is that please follow the rules and provide the requisite information to the authorities,” Rijiju told reporters. He said MPs are required to inform the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha secretariats, along with the ministries of home affairs and external affairs, regarding foreign visits, particularly when foreign hospitality is involved. Rijiju also cited Section 6 of the FCRA Act, saying there are penalty provisions if foreign hospitality is accepted without informing authorities.

Congress dismisses allegations

Earlier, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed the party had conducted a “bottom-up estimation” to calculate the Rs 60 crore expenditure figure. Meanwhile, Congress shared an AI-generated video of PM Modi and questioned the expenses of his foreign trip. Earlier, it had dismissed the BJP's allegations as politically motivated. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the saffron party was trying to divert attention from economic and foreign policy issues facing the country. Another Congress leader, Manickam Tagore, accused the BJP of running a “smear campaign” instead of addressing unemployment, inflation and border-related concerns.

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