BJP Labels Rahul Gandhi "Leader of Partying" Over Berlin Trip During Parliament Session: Priyanka Gandhi Defends with Modi Comparison

Priyanka Gandhi has come forward to defend her brother Rahul Gandhi amidst intense political criticism from the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi, currently serving as the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, is scheduled to visit Germany during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. The BJP has launched pointed attacks against Gandhi, mockingly referring to him as a "Leader of Paryatan" (tourism) and claiming he consistently neglects his parliamentary responsibilities by traveling abroad frequently. In response, the Congress party has countered by highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's numerous international trips.

Gandhi's Berlin visit is scheduled from December 15 to 20 for an Indian Overseas Congress event, while the Winter Session is set to conclude on December 19.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Gandhi, stating that he has again demonstrated that LoP in his case means "Leader of Paryatan" or "Leader of Partying." Poonawalla described Gandhi as "non-serious" and accused him of being in "permanent vacation mode" while others are focused on work. He referenced Gandhi's recent jungle safari during Bihar elections as evidence of misplaced priorities, and suggested the Germany trip might be intended to "spew venom against India" as part of what he called a "Bharat Badnami tour."

Adding to the criticism, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi remarked that Gandhi spends time abroad during parliamentary sessions but later complains about not receiving opportunities to speak, labeling him a "part-time, non-serious political leader."

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra firmly defended her brother against these allegations, pointing out, "Modiji spends almost half his working time outside the country. Why are they raising questions on the Leader of the Opposition travelling?"

Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, suggested the BJP's attacks are merely deflection tactics, stating, "When the BJP does not have answers to Rahul Gandhi's questions on alleged poll irregularities, the only resort is to malign him."

The Indian Overseas Congress has characterized Rahul Gandhi's upcoming trip as an important outreach initiative designed to strengthen the party's global engagement.

According to an official statement from the Indian Overseas Congress posted on X: "We are honoured to welcome Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Member of Parliament, who will be engaging with the Indian diaspora in Berlin on December 17, 2025. The event will bring together all Presidents of the Indian Overseas Congress from across Europe, providing a unique platform to discuss key issues with Shri Rahul Gandhi, particularly on strengthening the Congress Party, NRI issues and further exploring how the IOC can play a pivotal role in connecting more people to the party and spreading its ideology."