Rahul Gandhi running away from duties: Cong sources on Bangkok trip

With days left for the assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, sources had told that former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has flown to Bangkok on October 5. However, the reason for Rahul Gandhi's Bangkok visit was not known. Sources from the Congress camp have alleged that the Wayanad MP has run away from the responsibilities of the party during the elections. As per top sources, the Gandhi scion has flown to Bangkok since he could not handle the pressure of the ongoing infighting within the party leaders ahead of the assembly polls. Congress has been facing crisis with factionalism emerging in the party led by young leaders against the old guards. 

SPG protection for Gandhis

The Centre reportedly issued fresh guidelines for the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover accorded to the Gandhi family, including Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Citing 'security' concerns, the Centre has made it compulsory for the SPG personnel to accompany the Gandhis in their private foreign trips also. As per reports, the Gandhis have been informed about the development in their SPG protections. However, if they choose to unaccept the SPG security during their foreign trips, their visits could be cut short or curtailed by the MHA. 

READ | SPG To Provide Security Cover To Gandhi Family On All Foreign Trips

Congress infighting

These developments have come amid a series of resignations and accusations at the Congress party. Following the defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has been rattled by disputes within the party leaders. From top leaders like Urmila Matondkar and Ashok Tanwar among others resigning dramatically lashing out at the party, to senior leaders like Sanjay Nirupam rebelling against the party ahead of the polls, the ongoing crisis has emerged amid the poll campaigning for the state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra. Both the states are going to poll on October 21 in a single phase and the counting of votes will take place on October 24. 

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