On eve of Congress foundation day, Rahul Gandhi leaves on foreign visit

NEW DELHI: A day ahead of the party’s Foundation Day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left on a foreign visit.

AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala, as quoted by PTI, said, “Rahul Gandhi has left for abroad for a short personal visit and will be away for a few days.” While the spokesman did not give the details, the buzz was that Rahul had left for Milan in Italy. His grandmother lives in Milan, and he has been to the city earlier too.

The said visit triggered major buzz on social media which sought to stress the claim that Rahul was “not serious about politics”, with the point being made that he had gone to celebrate the New Year. Congress has started the process of internal polls to elect its new president and there is pressure on Rahul to take up the mantle again.


On Sunday morning, Rahul tweeted about farmers’ protest, urging them not to stop till their demands were met.


What added to the drama and triggered speculation is that Monday marks the 136th Foundation Day of Congress, an occasion when senior party leaders gather at the Akbar Road headquarters to hoist the party flag. If Rahul is not present, it is to be seen who would do the honours. One question is if Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could step in. The issue arises as AICC chief Sonia Gandhi has been avoiding public appearances during the pandemic, owing to health issues.

Congress has planned a nationwide campaign for Foundation Day. Besides directions to state and district units to undertake imaginative programmes like “tiranga rally”, the social media department will host “selfie with Tiranga” campaign in which all party leaders have been asked to participate.