Even as the Congress faces a massive, humiliating defeat in the Bihar elections, Rahul Gandhi is reportedly holidaying in Europe.
As shell-shocked leaders hunt for explanations and the cadre struggles to stay motivated, their chief campaigner’s disappearance has become a cause of concern for the Congress and its supporters.
During a panel discussion on Puthiya Thalaimurai, Senior Editor of The News Minute Shabbir Ahmed remarked on the absence of senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi from the country on the day election results were announced.
Ahmed noted that Rahul Gandhi was in Europe and Priyanka Gandhi was in New York even as counting was underway, pointing out that Rahul Gandhi had also been out of town during the campaign period. He said their absence at a crucial political moment raised questions about the Congress leadership’s visibility and engagement during the election cycle.
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It is noteworthy that Rahul Gandhi is absent every time there is something important happening in the country – be it elections or otherwise.
During the peak of Bihar Assembly election campaign, Rahul Gandhi was on a trip to South American countries.
Before that, after completing his so-called Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, he quietly slipped away to Langkawi. The trip only came to light when pictures of him vacationing surfaced on social media.
Below are some other instances.
December 2024: Another Private Trip to Vietnam when nation was mourning Manmohan Singh’s death
Gandhi embarked on a “private” trip to Vietnam, which was not publicly announced in advance. The Congress leader left for New Year’s celebrations when the “country was mourning Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise. The lack of details about his activities or return date drew criticism, especially given the Congress party’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its opposition stance ahead of the 2025 political calendar.
December 2023: Spotted on SpiceJet Flight to Dubai
Gandhi was reportedly seen boarding a SpiceJet flight to Dubai, with no prior announcement from the Congress party. The trip’s purpose remained undisclosed, prompting questions about its timing amid state election campaigns.
December 2022: Bharat Jodo Yatra Paused, Whereabouts Unknown
During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, the march was halted for nine days in December 2022. Gandhi’s whereabouts during this period were not disclosed, leading to speculation about a possible foreign trip.
December 2021: Personal Trip to Italy via Doha, Qatar
Gandhi traveled to Italy via Doha on December 29, 2021, reportedly to visit family, skipping election rallies in Punjab ahead of the 2022 state elections. The Congress party confirmed the “personal” nature of the trip but provided no further details, drawing criticism for his absence during a critical campaign period.
December 2020: Personal Trip to Italy
Gandhi undertook a “personal trip” to Italy to visit his grandmother, skipping the Congress party’s Foundation Day celebrations. The unannounced departure was seen as a missed opportunity to rally party workers, prompting backlash from opponents.
October 2023: Mysterious Trip to Uzbekistan
Gandhi’s “mysterious trip” to Uzbekistan was highlighted by critics for its lack of transparency. Unverified reports suggested meetings with unspecified individuals, though no concrete evidence supported claims of controversial engagements.
2015–2018: Frequent Personal Trips
Gandhi’s travels during this period included Turkey (June 2016, for his birthday), Italy (2017, to visit his grandmother), and multiple trips to Europe and the US for personal and party-related engagements.
February–April 2015: South-East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam)
Gandhi was absent from India for nearly 60 days, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. He reportedly attended a meditation course in Myanmar, raising concerns about his prolonged absence during a politically active period.
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