Listen to the article
In a revealing moment that has sparked widespread debate, Sam Pitroda, longtime adviser to the Gandhi family, confirmed that Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the Indian Parliament on December 19, 2025, was not due to unforeseen circumstances but a deliberate choice to attend a Progressive Alliance meeting in Berlin. The admission, made during an India Today interview, has intensified criticism rather than normalizing the absence as intended.
Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition and an elected Member of Parliament, missed the final day of Parliament’s winter session, which ran from December 1 to December 19. Pitroda defended the absence by noting that the Berlin meeting had been scheduled months in advance and that the Indian National Congress is a member of the Progressive Alliance.
This decision has revealed much about Gandhi’s priorities at a time when his parliamentary role demanded his presence during critical legislative discussions. Critics argue this is part of a pattern where Gandhi appears to prioritize international ideological engagements over domestic legislative responsibilities.
The Progressive Alliance is not merely a discussion forum but a significant political network. Founded in Leipzig, Germany in 2013, it comprises 119 political parties from 97 countries and 30 left-liberal organizations. It positions itself as an alternative to the Socialist International, which some members felt had become too accommodating of undemocratic regimes.
Gandhi holds a prominent position within the organization as a member of the Presidium, the Alliance’s highest decision-making body, representing the Asian region. He is one of only two Asian representatives on this prestigious committee. Curiously, while other Presidium members’ photographs appear on the Alliance’s website, Gandhi’s image is conspicuously absent, though his name is listed.
Two other Congress leaders, Sam Pitroda and Jothimani Sennimalai, hold positions on the Alliance’s board, suggesting deep institutional connections rather than casual association.
The Berlin meeting was not an isolated international engagement for Gandhi. In October 2024, he attended another Progressive Alliance event in Santiago, Chile, focused on “fighting democratic backsliding and rising global uncertainties.” The Congress party also co-hosted a two-day Progressive Alliance conference in Hyderabad in April 2025, demonstrating active promotion of the Alliance’s agenda within India.
The Progressive Alliance explicitly positions itself against what it terms “dangerous new authoritarianism and increasing right-wing populism.” This framing aligns with a global narrative that often equates nationalism with authoritarianism and cultural identity politics with democratic erosion. Gandhi’s association with this framework appears increasingly reflected in his domestic political messaging.
Controversy has also arisen regarding ideological overlaps between the Progressive Alliance and billionaire financier George Soros, who has openly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. When questioned about Gandhi meeting Cornelia Woll, a figure associated with Soros-linked networks, Pitroda dismissed concerns, further fueling perceptions about the Congress leadership’s comfort with engaging global actors critical of India’s elected government.
While international engagement is common for political leaders, questions arise about influence and accountability. The Progressive Alliance includes powerful political parties like the U.S. Democratic Party, the UK Labour Party, and Germany’s Social Democratic Party, which govern major economies and shape global policy.
Some analysts have noted that several Congress party positions since 2013—when it joined the Alliance—appear to align with Progressive Alliance ideology. The party’s increased criticism of Electronic Voting Machines and renewed emphasis on socialist economic policies mirror the Alliance’s preferences, raising questions about external ideological influences on domestic policy positions.
Critics contend that Gandhi has transformed from a parliamentary opposition leader to what they term a “Leader of Propaganda”—more comfortable addressing international audiences critical of India than engaging constructively within its democratic institutions. By missing parliamentary sessions for ideological gatherings abroad, they argue, Gandhi weakens institutional opposition while amplifying his voice in global forums.
As India approaches another electoral cycle, voters will likely evaluate not just rhetoric but actions. Gandhi’s choice to attend a Berlin meeting rather than fulfill parliamentary duties sends a message about priorities that will ultimately be judged by the electorate.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
16 Comments
This absence raises concerns about Gandhi’s approach to his role as Leader of Opposition. Elected officials must balance their international engagements and domestic responsibilities with care.
Agreed. Gandhi’s decision to prioritize the Progressive Alliance meeting over a critical parliamentary session is questionable and deserves scrutiny.
Interesting development. Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Parliament raises questions about his priorities. Balancing international engagements and domestic responsibilities is crucial for elected representatives.
Agreed. Voters expect their MPs to be present and engaged during critical parliamentary sessions. Gandhi’s choice deserves scrutiny.
Gandhi’s absence from Parliament is troubling, especially given his position as Leader of Opposition. Elected representatives must be present and engaged during important legislative sessions.
Absolutely. Voters expect their elected officials to focus on their parliamentary duties, even if it means occasionally missing other events.
This appears to be a concerning pattern where Gandhi prioritizes international politics over domestic legislative duties. Elected officials must focus on serving their constituents first and foremost.
Valid point. Gandhi’s role as Leader of Opposition demands his presence in Parliament to debate and shape policy. This absence is troubling.
Gandhi’s attendance at the Berlin meeting instead of the parliamentary session raises questions about his commitment to his domestic duties. Elected officials must balance international engagements and local responsibilities.
I agree. Gandhi’s priorities appear misaligned, and this absence may erode public trust in his leadership.
While the Progressive Alliance may be important, Gandhi’s primary responsibility is to his constituents and the Indian Parliament. Elected representatives cannot simply miss critical sessions.
Precisely. Voters will expect accountability and an explanation for this absence during an important parliamentary session.
While the Progressive Alliance may be important, Gandhi’s primary responsibility is to his constituents and the Indian Parliament. Elected representatives cannot simply miss critical sessions.
Agreed. Gandhi’s decision to prioritize the Berlin meeting over his parliamentary duties is concerning and deserves explanation.
While international political networks can be valuable, Gandhi’s role as an elected MP should take precedence. Constituents expect their representatives to be present and engaged in the legislative process.
Absolutely. Gandhi must demonstrate a clear commitment to his parliamentary duties, even if it means occasionally missing other events.