Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, departed for the United States on Friday for a significant engagement with the Indian diaspora and to meet with business and academic leaders. This trip marks Gandhi’s first international journey since the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Media Briefings and Public Engagements
Captured in early morning visuals at Delhi airport, Gandhi opted not to comment on his trip when approached by the media. The visit follows the Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress-led INDIA bloc managed to weaken the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s majority, prompting the formation of a coalition government. The Congress party itself achieved a notable resurgence, securing 99 seats compared to the 52 seats won in the 2019 elections. This turnaround has been widely attributed to Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra series, which helped the party re-establish its grassroots connections.
Schedule of Rahul Gandhi’s US Visit
Gandhi’s US itinerary includes:
- Meetings with Indian Diaspora: On September 8 and 9, Gandhi will engage with the Indian community in Texas and Washington DC. The Indian Overseas Congress has announced these events on X (formerly Twitter). The Texas meeting will be held at the Toyota Music Factory in Dallas, while the Washington DC event will take place at the Hilton Washington Dulles from 5-8 pm on September 9.
- Discussion on India’s Future: Surendra Rajput, Congress’s national media panellist, has outlined that Gandhi will discuss “the India of his dreams” during his visit.
- Public Interest in Gandhi’s Views: A post on X by Gandhi highlighted that his role as Leader of the Opposition has gained international attention, with global audiences eager to hear his perspectives on democracy, the constitution, and the future of India.
As Rahul Gandhi engages with the Indian diaspora and key stakeholders in the US, his visit is expected to provide insights into the Congress party’s vision and plans for India’s future. The trip is seen as an opportunity for Gandhi to strengthen international connections and outline his party’s strategy moving forward.