Sonia, Rahul miss Congress foundation day events

Just a day before the 136th foundation day of Congress, former party president Rahul Gandhi left for a short personal visit to Italy and Congress President Sonia Gandhi also stayed away from the event.

New Delhi:The Indian National Congress party celebrated it's 136th Foundation Day on Monday. However, the party came under attack from BJP after Congress' former President Rahul Gandhi give it a miss due to his foreign visit.

The occasion was being celebrated at All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi. Congress President Sonia Gandhi also remained absent from the key event. Senior party leader AK Antony hoist the flag on the occasion. Some of the CWC members attended the event but amid the Coronavirus pandemic, many prominent leaders give it a miss.

While speaking over the occasion, Congress General Secretary Incharge KC Venugopal said, "We are celebrating this day for the National integrity of the party. Throughout the country, Congress members are holding Tiranga Yatra. I want to congratulate every member of the party who is participating in this Yatra. I want to thank them as well."

When asked about Rahul Gandhi, he replied, "He was here yesterday only. That is their (BJP's) duty. Every time they target him."

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad said to the reporters, "Foundation day is being celebrated from 135 years. Some people remain absent during this event. What is important today is to give tribute to those Congressmen who laid their lives to attain freedom for the country."

"The same kind of situation has emerged in the country which was there 100 years back. Once again there is a threat over freedom of speech, media, casteism has been brought back, the country is being divided on the names of religion. We had got freedom but now our priorities have changed. We need to stand together against these forces," he asserted.

On Sunday, Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala informed that Rahul Gandhi has left for abroad for a short personal visit and will be away for a few days.

The move received criticism from the ruling BJP who alleged that Rahul Gandhi has "disappeared" when the farmers are protesting at the Delhi borders.

While speaking to ETV Bharat, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, "The farmers protest in Delhi border but they have made it very clear that it is not a political protest. we have made it clear that we stand by the farmers and Mr Rahul Gandhi will always be there wherever he's required as far as farmers demands are concerned. If he is not present here today, it does not mean that the farmers' demands are been suspended by Congress. We all are there to take the message forward."

Replying to a question over the demand within Congress for Rahul Gandhi to take back the post of party chief, Khurshid replied, "He is a leader. We can't be dictating to him. Whenever required we will always show our strength and support for him. That's always there."

It has been informed that Rahul Gandhi has gone to Italy to visit his grandmother and he will be back in India very soon.