Hyderabad, May 15: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi should follow parliamentary rules while undertaking foreign visits.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Rijiju said Members of Parliament are required to inform the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat before travelling abroad.
He clarified that the government was not restricting Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visits but only seeking compliance with established rules and procedures.
Kiren Rijiju stated that every MP is free to undertake foreign tours. However, MPs must provide information about such visits at least three weeks in advance.
He added that organisations or agencies inviting Rahul Gandhi abroad may bear his travel expenses, but such arrangements come under the provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
According to Rijiju, details regarding foreign hospitality and sponsored visits must also be shared with the Union Home Ministry.
The Union Minister said Rahul Gandhi has undertaken 54 foreign trips since becoming an MP in 2004.
“It is not limited to 54 trips. Questions also arise regarding the duration of stay abroad and expenditure details,” Rijiju said during the media interaction.
He further stated that proposed foreign visits should be informed to the Lok Sabha Speaker in advance as per parliamentary norms.
Rijiju maintained that the law applies equally to all public representatives and that his remarks were not directed only at the Congress leader.
He urged all elected representatives to respect the laws and procedures currently in force in the country.
The remarks come amid continuing political exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Congress party over various national and international issues.
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