Seven things Rahul Gandhi missed since he left for Europe

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet party workers later on Monday after he returned to the country on Sunday following his nearly two-week holiday.

The second most important leader of the country’s oldest surviving political entity had gone for his publically announced trip on December 28 last year. He had then tweeted, "I will be travelling to Europe for a few days. A very Happy New Year to everyone.”

Gandhi had been previously criticized by political observers and opponents for the time he spends outside the country. The last being the almost two-month long disappearance post the Delhi elections in February 2015 when the Congress failed to win even a single seat out of the total 70.  

Let’s take a look at what Rahul Gandhi missed during his mini-sabbatical in Europe

1. Pathankot terror attack:  There were lots to be made out politically for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress concerning the breach of security of the Air Force installation at Pathankot, which claimed the loss of seven lives of the armed forces. Due to his absence he could not make the most of the allegations of not doing enough on the part of the central government, the Punjab police and even some part of the armed forces.
2. FTII: Despite protests from the students of the institute, Gajendra Chauhan took charge as the Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India. Rahul Gandhi himself had been part of the protests against Chauhan’s appointment in the past but failed to make a statement on the biggest development.
3. Subramanian Swamy’s Ram Mandir claim:  On Saturday, Subramanian Swamy had said that Rajiv Gandhi promised him that the former PM would help him build the Ram Mandir and the Congress leader was not present to make any statement on the contentitious issue.    
4. The demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed: While he was in Europe, Sonia Gandhi had made a visit to Mehbooba Mufti. If he were here, it would have been useful for him to make himself accustomed to the ever-dynamic politics in the valley as the BJP-PDP alliance has been under strain lately.
5. Odd even:  The controversial Odd-Even scheme for reducing vehicular pollution has sparked a variety of reactions from all fronts. Due to his absence, Rahul Gandhi failed to make use of the opportunity to get back at his rivals.
6. DDCA: Although it had started before he left, Rahul Gandhi due to his absence could not make most out of the allegations leveled by the AAP and suspended BJP MP Kirti Azad against Arun Jaitley over purported corruption in the DDCA.  
7. Malda: A lot has been speculated about the alleged communal violence in Malda, West Bengal. With the state soon to go for elections, Gandhi’s silence on the matter only leaves the Congress undecided.