Rahul Gandhi did not have political clearance for London visit?

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi did not take political clearance to visit London, sources said. As per rules, it is mandatory for all Members of Parliament to obtain political approval from the Ministry of External Affairs before travelling abroad.

The controversy over former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's visit to the United Kingdom has taken a new turn with information emerging that he did not have political clearance for the visit.

He did not take political clearance to visit London, sources told Asianet Newsable.

According to sources, it is mandatory for all Members of Parliament to obtain political approval from the Ministry of External Affairs before travelling abroad. The approval of the Ministry of External Affairs has to be obtained by putting the information on the website at least three weeks before the trip. Apart from this, all MPs have to get invitations from foreign governments, institutions, etc., through the Ministry of External Affairs. 

If any direct invitation is received, it has to be informed to the Ministry of External Affairs. After this, they get political approval from the ministry. According to sources, Rahul Gandhi did not take the approval of the Ministry of External Affairs before travelling abroad. It is mandatory to get approval from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Congress party, however, claimed that Rahul did not need clearance for visiting London. Party leader Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "MPs do not need political clearance from the Prime Minister or the government unless they are part of an official delegation. 

Rahul's London visit has been shrouded in controversies. On Tuesday, a photo of Rahul with UK Labour party leader and known India-baiter Jeremy Corbyn sparked off a war of words between the Congress and the BJP.

The BJP has also been going hammer and tongs about how the Wayanad MP has been "defaming" India on global platforms and giving the 'impression of anarchy' in the country.

Speaking at the 'Ideas for India' conclave in London, Rahul said that the Indian Constitution is under attack and that had led to a scenario where the states of India are now unable to negotiate with the government.

While accusing the BJP of stifling dissenting voices, he accused the Prime Minister of not having an 'I want to listen' attitude.