Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visit sparks controversy again; didn’t follow procedures, didn’t seek clearance, says Centre

NEW DELHI: Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi’s London visit had stoked a controversy in the beginning itself. Earlier, Rahul’s remarks at the ‘Ideas for India’ conclave in London, had created a huge row in the country. Now, it has been alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who is a Member of Parliament, did not follow clear procedures during his UK visit.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had faced severe backlashe after pictures of his meeting with UK Labour party leader and known India-baiter Jeremy Corbyn surfaced. Meanwhile, a new controversy has erupted as allegations suggest that the Congress leader had neither followed procedures nor sought clearance for his visit. However, another Member of Parliament, Professor Manoj Jha from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, who went for same function, had sought the due political clearance. Manoj Jha had participated in the function, a day ahead of Rahul Gandhi.

Travel guidelines for MPs

All public servants and public representatives have to follow certain guidelines when they travel abroad and need clearance for their visits.

• As per the guidelines laid down by the Lok Sabha Secretariat MPs on non-official visits abroad have to seek permission from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs. As per the circular states: “If any invitation from any foreign source namely, government of any country, foreign organisations, etc. is received directly by a member, a copy of such invitation letter giving full details of the purpose of the visits and the hospitality to be accepted should be sent to the Ministry of External Affairs for political clearance and the Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs for accepting any foreign hospitality being offered during visits abroad.”
• It further adds that once the two ministries grant the clearance, the MP shall inform the presiding officer of their respective Houses — the Lok Sabha Speaker or the Rajya Sabha vice-president.
• The circular also states that MPs have to ensure that their activities must give no impression that they are on an official visit and that they should satisfy themselves about the credentials or the organisation/institution extending the hospitality.

While these are the guidelines for non-official visits, no clearances are needed for a personal trip.

Dear @AMISHDEVGAN ji,

M.P’s don’t need political clearance from PM or Govt, unless they are part of Official Delegation.

Pl don’t blindly follow the PMO what’sapp suggestions sent to TV channels.

We expect better due diligence from you and @CNNnews18 . https://t.co/UqndzGKYfL

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) May 25, 2022

Arguments claiming that Rahul Gandhi did not follow the rules have led to disputes between the Congress and the central government. The Congress argues that MPs do not need political clearance from the prime minister or the government unless they are part of the official delegation. The Congress has also reportedly said that Rahul had taken FCRA clearance before his trip. The opposition also pointed out that these are just guidelines and not rules.