Tharoor Responds to BJP’s Remarks on Rahul Gandhi’s Vietnam Visit: ‘I’m Not a Travel Agent’

‘I’m Not a Travel Agent’: Shashi Tharoor Responds to Row Over Rahul Gandhi’s Vietnam Visit

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor avoided commenting on Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Vietnam amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, telling reporters that he was “not a travel agent.”

Tharoor, who was in Kerala, was asked about the Leader of the Opposition travelling abroad while political protests were taking place. He said every individual had their own responsibilities and declined to offer an opinion on Gandhi’s travel plans.

“I am not a travel agent. There is no point in asking me that question. Why did I leave Delhi and come here now? Every person has certain responsibilities. So, I cannot comment on that,” Tharoor said.

Gandhi’s four-day Vietnam visit has triggered a political exchange between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP criticised the Congress leader for travelling abroad during the ongoing protests, accusing him of taking a break after participating in demonstrations in Delhi.

The BJP also shared a video on X that purportedly showed Gandhi on a flight to Vietnam and questioned the purpose of his overseas visits.

BJP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Meeting George Soros

BJP leader Sambit Patra alleged that Gandhi had travelled abroad to receive guidance from billionaire George Soros and his associates on bringing about regime change in India. Patra claimed that the opposition’s efforts to advance such an agenda had failed to gain public support.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also questioned whether Gandhi’s trip was meant for leisure or to meet individuals he described as his “chaos collaborators.”

The allegations intensified the political debate over the Congress leader’s foreign travel, with the BJP questioning the timing of his visit.

Congress Hits Back at BJP’s Criticism

The Congress defended Gandhi’s trip, arguing that he has personal commitments alongside his responsibilities as the Leader of the Opposition.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit questioned why Gandhi was being singled out for travelling abroad. He noted that Gandhi has interacted with students at Yale University and in London, met intellectuals and participated in press interviews during his international visits.

“Do others not travel outside on this day? Rahul Gandhi is an individual, the Leader of the Opposition; he has duties,” Dikshit said.

He also cited Gandhi’s interactions with students and intellectuals abroad, questioning the BJP’s objections to such engagements.

The dispute highlights the continuing political friction between the BJP and the Congress, with the two parties offering contrasting views on the timing and purpose of Gandhi’s Vietnam visit.