8th September 2023,Mumbai: Rahul Gandhi’s European Tour
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is currently embarking on a three-nation European tour, where he aims to engage in a series of meetings with parliamentarians and lawmakers. This tour comes at a crucial time for Indian politics, as it coincides with a brewing controversy regarding the exclusion of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge from the G20 Summit dinner.
Gandhi’s Meetings in Brussels and Beyond
During his European sojourn, Rahul Gandhi has already held closed-door meetings with some members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels. This strategic engagement with European lawmakers is a significant move, underscoring the importance of global alliances and India’s role in international affairs. His itinerary also includes a visit to Paris, where he is slated to meet with French lawmakers. His final stop in Norway will involve discussions with the country’s parliamentarians in Oslo, highlighting the reach of Indian diplomacy beyond its borders.
The Controversy Surrounding Mallikarjun Kharge’s Exclusion
The controversy that has captured the attention of Indian politics centers around the exclusion of Mallikarjun Kharge, who not only serves as the Congress president but also holds the crucial position of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. reports suggest that he has not been invited to the grand G20 dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. This omission has sparked debates and questions about the rationale behind it.
The ‘India vs. Bharat’ Debate
The controversy deepens when one considers the context of the ongoing ‘India vs. Bharat’ debate. The invitation to the G20 dinner referred to President Murmu as the ‘President of Bharat,’ a term that is at odds with the nomenclature used for the country, which is ‘India.’ This linguistic nuance has raised eyebrows and provoked responses from various quarters. The exclusion of Kharge from the guest list adds another layer of complexity to this ongoing debate.
Selective Invitations within the INDIA Alliance
Interestingly, while Kharge’s exclusion from the G20 dinner has garnered attention, other leaders from the INDIA alliance have received invitations. Figures like Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, and Nitish Kumar, among others, are expected to attend the gala dinner. This selective approach to invitations within the alliance has given rise to speculations and conjecture about the motives and intentions behind such decisions.
The Significance of the G20 Summit
The G20 Summit, scheduled to be held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan on September 9 and 10, is a highly anticipated event in the international political calendar. It brings together leaders from some of the world’s most influential nations to discuss pressing global issues. Prominent figures like US President Joe Biden, Canada PM Justin Trudeau, and UK PM Rishi Sunak are set to attend, emphasizing the summit’s significance.
Rahul Gandhi’s Critical Observation
Amidst this controversy, Rahul Gandhi has voiced his concerns about the exclusion of Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighting a broader issue. He questions whether the ruling BJP-led government values the Leader of the Opposition, who represents a substantial portion of India’s population. Gandhi’s remarks underscore the need for reflection on the motives behind such decisions and the kind of political climate prevailing in the country.
Rahul Gandhi’s European tour and the controversy surrounding Mallikarjun Kharge’s exclusion from the G20 Summit dinner serve as significant markers in India’s political landscape. These events shed light on the complexities of India’s domestic and international politics and the evolving dynamics within the country’s political alliances. As the G20 Summit unfolds in New Delhi, all eyes will be on the discussions and decisions that shape the course of global affairs.
-by Kashvi Gala