Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha and self-styled “global thinker” Rahul Gandhi has once again chosen the runway over the road to Bihar. In yet another episode of his international escapades, he has now embarked on a four-nation tour across South America. The grand agenda? Meetings with political leaders, chit-chats with university students, and cosy discussions with businessmen.

Congress’s media and publicity head Pawan Khera proudly announced that Gandhi would be visiting Brazil and Colombia. There, he will apparently address university students, shake hands with presidents, chat with top leaders, and deliver his wisdom on subjects like trade and technology. One can only wonder what pearls of economic advice Rahul Gandhi — a man who couldn’t even manage his own party’s fortunes in Amethi — has to offer to businessmen in Brazil.

The Congress party insists that this trip is a noble mission to strengthen ties with South America, citing the Non-Aligned Movement and Global South as common threads. Lofty words aside, the timing could not be worse. Bihar Assembly elections are around the corner, and the leader who should be strategizing on the ground is instead perfecting his foreign itinerary. It seems the Congress high command believes selfies with South American leaders are more urgent than addressing the crisis within their own backyard.

A foreign visit right when Bihar elections are looming

Rahul Gandhi, let us remember, is not the Prime Minister of India, nor is he part of any official government delegation. But he still struts across continents, giving speeches and attending international events, as if the world was waiting for his wisdom. And he does so precisely when Bihar, one of the most politically crucial states in India, heads for elections.

Naturally, criticism has poured in. Any serious politician would be in Bihar — planning strategies, connecting with voters, and building momentum for the party. But Rahul Gandhi? He is too busy booking business class tickets. Politics, for him, remains a part-time hobby, something to be squeezed in between vacations.

Even his lectures abroad make little sense. He is not an academic or a subject expert, yet he has lined up debates and lectures at foreign universities. Critics point out the obvious: if he has so much energy for Colombian students, why can’t he spare some for Bihar’s voters, where his party is fighting for survival? But alas, seriousness is not Rahul Gandhi’s strongest suit.

Adding fuel to the fire is his recent Malaysia trip. Earlier this month, he wrapped up his so-called Voter Rights Yatra in Bihar. Instead of capitalizing on that momentum, he bolted straight to Langkawi, Malaysia. Social media lit up with his vacation photos, showing him in holiday mode while his party workers were left sweating it out on the ground.

The BJP wasted no time. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, posted on X:
“Rahul Gandhi has slipped away yet again—this time on a clandestine vacation in Langkawi, Malaysia. Looks like the heat and dust of Bihar’s politics was too much for the Congress Yuvraj, who had to rush off for a break. Or is it another one of those secret meetings that no one is supposed to know about? Either way, while people struggle with real issues, Rahul Gandhi is busy perfecting the art of disappearing and vacationing.”

To add spice, the controversy deepened because fugitive preacher Zakir Naik now enjoys Malaysian citizenship. Whispers began that Rahul Gandhi’s holiday might have been more than just beaches and coconuts. One user on X wrote sarcastically: “He has gone to Malaysia to meet his guru, Zakir Naik.”

Once again, the optics were disastrous. The Malaysia detour immediately after the Bihar yatra only reinforced the growing perception: Rahul Gandhi treats politics like a college assignment — finish the project, submit it, and take the next flight out.

A secret escape to Uzbekistan just before elections

If anyone thought this was a one-off, they are sorely mistaken. Rahul Gandhi’s wanderlust has been a consistent feature of his political career. In October 2023, just before crucial Vidhan Sabha elections, he secretly jetted off to Uzbekistan. No official word, no party announcement — just silence. His presence back in India was confirmed only when cameras caught him at Delhi International Airport.

And what was the purpose of that trip? Till date, no answers. This cloak-and-dagger style of vanishing is not new for him. But it raises the same uncomfortable question: is this the conduct of a man aspiring to lead the nation, or that of someone who treats politics as a side job between vacations?

Critics argue that such conduct is shameful for a senior Opposition leader. Instead of guiding his party during make-or-break elections, he slips away under the radar. The irony is, while his party workers slog on the ground, Rahul Gandhi is usually found on foreign soil — sometimes seen, sometimes not, but always unavailable when needed the most.