bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-for-vietnam-trip-after-singh-s-death

A fresh political spat unfolded between the BJP and the Congress after BJP leaders criticised Rahul Gandhi for allegedly travelling to Vietnam to celebrate the New Year, just days after the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

 

The Congress dismissed the accusations as a ploy to deflect attention from the government's handling of Singh's funeral arrangements.

 

The controversy began when Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, accused Gandhi of insensitivity. In a post on social media platform X, Malviya alleged that Gandhi had chosen to leave for Vietnam while the nation mourned the loss of Singh.

 

Furthermore, he raised the issue of Operation Blue Star, claiming that the Gandhis and the Congress have always harboured animosity towards the Sikh community, citing historical events involving Indira Gandhi.

 

The Congress was quick to respond, with senior leader Manickam Tagore accusing the BJP of engaging in diversion tactics. Tagore called the BJP’s statements a desperate attempt to distract from the alleged mishandling of Singh’s funeral.

 

He pointed out that the government had denied Singh a cremation site along the Yamuna riverbanks, a gesture he termed disrespectful to the two-time Prime Minister. Tagore questioned the BJP's focus on Gandhi’s private travel, remarking, “Why does it bother you if Mr Gandhi travels privately? Get well in the New Year.”

 

This latest exchange is part of an ongoing war of words between the two parties over Singh’s funeral and memorial arrangements.

 

The BJP previously criticised the Gandhi family for not attending Singh’s ash immersion ceremony, an accusation that the Congress dismissed, citing the family’s right to privacy during such moments.

 

The disagreement over the cremation site also remains a contentious issue. The Congress had requested Singh’s cremation at a location designated for a future memorial, but the Centre opted for Nigambodh Ghat instead.

 

While the BJP accused the Congress of politicising the matter, the Congress alleged disrespect and an insult to the legacy of Manmohan Singh.