New Delhi, May 14: BJP MP Sambit Patra has targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the funding of his personal foreign trips during a Lok Sabha session. He revealed that Gandhi has undertaken 54 foreign trips, costing a staggering ₹600 million. Patra expressed concern, noting that Gandhi’s declared income is only ₹110 million, raising questions about the source of funding for these travels.
Patra presented details of Gandhi’s 54 foreign trips over the past 22 years, stating that the leader of India’s largest opposition party has frequently traveled abroad. According to publicly available data, these trips include visits to Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Bahrain, the Maldives, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, footage circulated on social media on May 3, 2026, revealed undisclosed trips to Muscat and Oman.
The BJP MP emphasized that most of these trips are documented, with evidence available through public host pages, press itineraries, parliamentary absence records, and photographs. He pointed out that while the trips were public, the sources of funding remain undisclosed. Gandhi reportedly traveled with 3-4 companions on each trip, leading to a total expenditure of ₹600 million. Patra highlighted that Gandhi’s income from 2013-14 to 2022-23 was only ₹110 million, questioning how he could spend ₹600 million on foreign travels.
Patra raised the crucial question of foreign funding sources. He explained that funding for such trips could either be fully sponsored by the government or come from foreign entities like companies, agencies, or organizations. If a foreign agency is funding these travels, what does Indian law stipulate? According to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, commonly known as FCRA 2010, prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is mandatory. This regulation applies to legislators, judges, and government officials.
The BJP MP questioned whether Rahul Gandhi obtained permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs under the FCRA for his foreign trips. He accused Gandhi of attempting to tarnish India’s image during these travels, asserting that this is widely recognized and not hidden from anyone.
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