Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reached Germany’s capital Berlin on Wednesday (December 17, 2025). He was welcomed at the airport by workers of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC). This visit of Rahul Gandhi is taking place at a time when the winter session of Parliament is going on in the country, due to which the political debate on his absence has intensified.
Will participate in IOC program in Berlin
According to the Indian Overseas Congress, Rahul Gandhi will participate in an event organized in Berlin. During this time he will meet various party presidents in Europe and interact with the NRI community. Issues related to NRIs and carrying forward the ideology of Congress will be discussed in the meetings. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi will stay in Germany till December 20. His journey is said to be already decided. Congress leaders say that this visit was decided even before the beginning of the winter session of Parliament.
BJP’s attack on foreign tour amid Parliament session
BJP has targeted Congress regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Germany. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala taunted and said, ‘Rahul Gandhi has once again proved that LoP means ‘Leader of Tourism’. He is the leader of partying. BJP alleges that going abroad during the Parliament session gives a wrong message.
Congress’s defense, the tour was already decided
Congress sources clarified that Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Germany was planned several months ago and the invitation for it was received through official channels. The party says that the purpose of this visit is to communicate with students, academics and Indian expatriates, in which democracy, global politics and social issues will be discussed.
First picture surfaced with Sam Pitroda
The first picture of Rahul Gandhi has also surfaced from Germany, in which he is seen with senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda. It is being told that he had received an invitation from the German government.
Important bill in Parliament, Congress issued whip
Meanwhile, many important bills including changing the name of MNREGA are going to be presented in the Parliament. Congress has issued a whip to all its MPs to remain present in the House for the next three days. However, Rahul Gandhi will not be present in Parliament during this period.
Rahul’s absence has no impact on voting.
In terms of numbers, Rahul Gandhi’s absence is not expected to affect whether any bill is passed or not. Congress has 99 MPs in the Lok Sabha, while the entire opposition has 234 MPs. In comparison, NDA has 291 MPs. Despite this, BJP has got an opportunity to take a jibe at Congress.
No action will be taken on whip violation
On questions being raised regarding violation of the whip, Congress sources said that there are some exceptions in tradition. If any MP remains absent after giving prior notice, then the whip is not applicable on him. The party said that Rahul Gandhi had informed the parliamentary office before leaving for Germany and the whip was issued after his departure, hence no action will be taken against him.