Did Rahul Gandhi Need "Clearance" For UK Trip? Government Vs Congress

All MPs need to inform the Ministry of External Affairs three weeks before any foreign trip and seek political clearance, said government sources.

Rahul Gandhi did not take "political clearance" from the government before flying to London, which all MPs need to do, sources claimed today.

All MPs need to inform the Ministry of External Affairs three weeks before any foreign trip and seek political clearance, said government sources, adding that they need to post details on the foreign ministry website.

But the Congress MP did not do so, the sources said. They said invites to MPs from foreign governments or institutions need to be routed through the foreign ministry.

"If the invitation comes directly, then political clearance is needed from the foreign ministry. All MPs have been asked to ensure that they do so before travelling abroad," said official sources.