Rahul Gandhi's Germany Trip Sparks Political Controversy as Congress Issues Whip for Critical MGNREGA Debate

The BJP has openly criticized Rahul Gandhi's trip to Germany during the critical winter parliamentary session.

New Delhi:

Congress has issued a whip requiring all its MPs to be present for the next three days as several key bills, including the renaming of MGNREGA, are scheduled for parliamentary consideration. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is currently in Germany, notably absent from these proceedings. BJP members have been instructed to attend parliament from December 15 to 19.

While Gandhi's absence won't significantly impact voting outcomes—Congress holds 99 seats in the lower house with the combined Opposition having 234 seats in the 543-member assembly compared to NDA's 291—it does expose the party to criticism from the BJP.

Addressing questions about potential consequences for Gandhi ignoring the whip, party sources explained that exceptions exist—illness being one. Additionally, if an MP provides prior notification of absence, the whip doesn't apply to them. Sources confirmed that since Gandhi notified the party's parliamentary office before the whip was issued and then departed for Germany, no action would be taken.

It's worth noting that the whip isn't formally included in the Constitution or parliamentary procedures, functioning more as a convention than a rule. Any enforcement actions regarding violations occur at the party's discretion.

However, the whip plays a significant role in the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Violating a party-issued whip can potentially lead to disqualification under this law.

The BJP has already criticized Gandhi extensively for his Germany trip during this crucial parliamentary session.

BJP representatives suggested that Gandhi's LoP (Leader of Opposition) position actually stands for "Leader of Paryatan (tourism)" and accused him of neglecting his responsibilities due to frequent international travel.

"Rahul Gandhi demonstrates non-serious political behavior. While others are working, he appears to be in permanent vacation mode," remarked BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla. "During recent Bihar elections, he was on a jungle safari, clearly indicating his priorities."

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described Gandhi as a "part-time, non-serious leader" who travels abroad during parliamentary sessions and later complains about lacking speaking opportunities.

Congress has responded by highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own foreign visits.

This week is particularly important for Congress given the government's initiative to rename the UPA government's flagship MGNREGA program. Additionally, legislation regarding private investment in nuclear energy is scheduled for discussion.

The proposed new name for MGNREGA—G Ram G, representing Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill—has angered Congress representatives.

The party has called this change unnecessary, claiming that removing Mahatma Gandhi's name reveals BJP's intention to eventually erase his legacy.

"Removing Gandhi's name during the Sangh's centenary demonstrates the hypocrisy of those who, like Modi ji, honor Bapu on foreign soil," stated Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on X platform.

"A government that retreats from protecting poor people's rights is the same one attacking MGNREGA. Congress will strongly oppose such decisions from this regime that work against the poor and laborers, both in Parliament and through street protests," he added.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan observed that BJP previously objected to Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, adding, "Now the country watches as they have issues with Bapu."

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as India's greatest leader. "I don't comprehend the objective. Parliament isn't functioning properly. We aren't discussing urgent issues; both time and public resources are being wasted," she remarked.