New Delhi: A political row erupted on Thursday after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre has been advising foreign delegations not to meet or interact with the Leader of the Opposition (LoP). The Congress leader said such a practice was never followed during earlier governments and accused the present regime of breaking long-standing democratic traditions.

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, the Congress MP said that meeting the LoP has always been a common and accepted practice during visits by foreign delegations. He claimed this tradition was respected during the governments led by Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

According to him, discouraging foreign officials from meeting the LoP weakens democratic values and sends the wrong message internationally. His statement came just hours ahead of the two-day visit of Vladimir Putin to India, adding to the political sensitivity of the issue.

BJP Pushes Back Strongly

Leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the allegations, asserting that the government follows established protocol in dealings with foreign dignitaries. They accused the Congress leader of politicising an issue that does not involve government interference.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut questioned the opposition leader’s intentions, saying that such decisions are taken by the government based on national interest. She praised Vajpayee as a national asset and suggested that comparisons with him were inappropriate. She added that doubts exist about the opposition leader’s commitment to the nation.

Another BJP MP, Bhim Singh, said there was no reason for the government to stop anyone from meeting foreign leaders and alleged that the Congress MP often creates unnecessary controversy.

Clarifications from Allies and Ministers

Offering clarification, JD(U) leader K. C. Tyagi said the government does not control whom visiting heads of state choose to meet, stressing that such decisions rest solely with the visiting dignitary.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale echoed a similar view, stating that foreign leaders visit India at the government’s invitation but are free to meet anyone they wish, including the LoP.

Political Tensions Ahead

The controversy has intensified the ongoing war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with both sides accusing each other of distorting facts. With high-profile foreign visits underway, the issue is expected to dominate political debates in the coming days.