Rahul Gandhi Missing During Key Bills Debate; Kodikunnil Suresh Unable to Explain

New Delhi: Questions were raised on Friday over the absence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from Parliament during the discussion of key bills, with senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kodikunnil Suresh unable to give a clear explanation when questioned by the media.

The questions arose as Opposition members were protesting in Parliament against several bills under consideration. When journalists asked where the Leader of the Opposition was while crucial legislation affecting the country was being debated in the Lok Sabha, Kodikunnil Suresh did not offer a direct response.

Reporters also pointed out that even as protests were taking place across the country, Rahul Gandhi was on a foreign visit, with videos and photographs of him visiting a BMW showroom abroad and driving luxury vehicles being circulated, including through Congress-linked social media handles. Kodikunnil said the visit had been planned in advance and that Rahul Gandhi had informed the party, but he did not respond when asked whether such engagements should take precedence over parliamentary responsibilities.

The overseas trip has put the Congress leadership under pressure, particularly as the Lok Sabha on Wednesday took up for discussion a bill related to the employment guarantee scheme. At the time, Rahul was visiting the manufacturing facility of luxury automobile company BMW in Germany.

The foreign visit has also drawn attention as it coincided with a Congress whip mandating compulsory attendance of party MPs in Parliament for three days, as several important bills were scheduled for consideration. Gandhi is expected to remain in Germany until Saturday.