New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the Central government of not allowing foreign guests to meet the Leader of the Opposition, whereas there was a tradition of meeting during the times of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. On this, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has said that Rahul Gandhi’s feelings for the country are very doubtful. She advised Rahul Gandhi to join the BJP. Kangana said that Rahul Gandhi can also become Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He should join the BJP.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, Kangana Ranaut told news agency ANI, “The government makes its own decisions. Atal ji was a national asset. The entire country was proud of him. But Rahul Gandhi’s feelings for the country are highly questionable. The international conspiracy underway, whether it’s to incite riots or to divide the country, is suspect. If Rahul Gandhi is comparing himself to Atal ji, my only suggestion is to join the BJP. God gave you birth and life. You too can become Atal ji; join the BJP.”
In fact, while attacking the central government, Rahul Gandhi also mentioned Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that the Leader of the Opposition is not allowed to meet foreign dignitaries in the government. Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament House complex that previously, any foreign guests were allowed to meet the Leader of the Opposition. This tradition continued until the Modi government came to power, but now they are not allowed to meet. He said that the Leader of the Opposition has a different perspective and should be allowed to meet foreign dignitaries, but the Modi government and the Ministry of External Affairs do not follow these norms.
Responding to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Rahul Gandhi said, “It’s generally customary for anyone visiting from abroad to meet the Leader of the Opposition. This was the practice during the governments of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh. This has been a tradition, but now, when foreign dignitaries come or when I travel abroad, the government asks them not to meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy, and they do it every time. When I go abroad, I’m also told that the government advises against meeting him.”
Responding to a question about relations with the Russian President, he said, “We have relations with everyone. The LoP provides a different perspective. We also represent India, not just the government.” The government doesn’t want the opposition to meet with foreign visitors, even though there’s a tradition of meeting, but Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs don’t adhere to these rules and norms. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, said that in a democracy, it’s good to allow dignitaries to meet visiting dignitaries.
