Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s foreign travel has not been fully transparent and may have breached parliamentary norms.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rijiju said any MP planning to travel abroad is expected to inform the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha Secretariat at least three weeks in advance, citing security-related procedures. He expressed concern that details of some trips were not shared with the Speaker or the Speaker’s office.
Rijiju said there is no restriction on MPs travelling overseas and that travel costs may be borne by those who invite them. However, he added that such expenses fall under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act framework and therefore trip and expenditure details should be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He also referred to a BJP allegation that there is a significant mismatch between Rahul Gandhi’s income declarations over the past 20 years and the costs of his foreign travel. Rijiju said if travel expenses exceed the income declared in election affidavits, it could raise concerns for the Income Tax Department, and he expected the Congress to respond.
