'Matter is concerning': Kiren Rijiju slams Rahul Gandhi over 54 foreign trips

NEW DELHI: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised serious concerns over Rahul Gandhi's foreign visits, stating that every MP is required to inform the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat three weeks in advance before travelling abroad."It is not a permission but information. MPs can travel abroad but information has to be given," Rijiju said.He added that if an MP accepts foreign hospitality, the expenditure borne by the inviting agency or organisation must come under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).Rijiju claimed that Rahul Gandhi, an MP since 2004, has made 54 reported foreign trips. "It is not limited to 54 trips but how many days he has stayed outside India and what are the expenditures he has incurred," he said."The matter of Rahul Gandhi's unannounced and announced foreign visits have raised a serious question," Rijiju said.He requested Gandhi and the Congress party to follow the rules and inform the requisite information to the authorities. "He has to inform the Lok Sabha Speaker three weeks before the proposed foreign visit. If he has to accept foreign hospitality, he has to inform the MHA under FCRA," he said.Rijiju also asked Gandhi to specify who invited him and what expenditures were incurred in his name by agencies or organisations outside India."Every Indian has to abide by the laws of the country, especially the MPs. If anything happens, if some actions are initiated, the government should not be blamed for targeting Rahul Gandhi or a particular person. Law is for everyone," Rijiju said.He also questioned how many days Gandhi has stayed outside India and what expenditures he has incurred during his foreign travels.Earlier, BJP's Sambit Patra alleged that Rs 60 crore was spent on Gandhi's 54 foreign trips, demanding disclosure. Congress hit back, questioning why BJP won't disclose PM Modi's foreign visit expenses.