Rahul Gandhi criticised for missing Congress’ Foundation Day

On the Congress party’s 136th Foundation Day on Monday, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi left for Milan, Italy for a personal visit. He is now facing a lot of backlash for his absence during the party’s Foundation Day .

“Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has left for abroad for a short personal visit and will be away for a few days,” party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Sunday.

A week ago, when the top party leaders met, including those who have called for major organizational changes over the poor electoral performance, Mr. Gandhi told the leaders at the meet he is “ready to work for the party as all desire”, yet it is said that he is firm on his decision on not returning as the party president.

This morning, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra avoided answering questions on brother Rahul while talking to the reporters amid celebrations at the Delhi headquarters. On this day and occasion, senior party leaders gather at the Akbar Road to hoist the party flag. This year they have launched a nation-wide campaign as well as the “selfie with tiranga” on social media.

Taking to Twitter Rahul Gandhi marked the occasion by highlighting his party’s pledge “truth and equality”and said that “Congress has been committed from the beginning to raise the voice of the nation”.

Rahul Gandhi’s absence on the occasion comes under attack from the BJP. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan questioned Gandhi’s disappearance on an important occasion for the party.

Senior leader A K Antony unfurled the flag at the AICC headquarters in the presence of senior leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on the 136th Foundation Day of Congress.