Members of Parliament do not require political clearance from the Prime Minister, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said on Wednesday.
The issue rose in the backdrop of a controversy over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments in meetings in London where he made critical remarks about the general political and social conditions in India. Government sources had alleged that he did not seek "political clearance" before leaving for London.
"MPs don't need political clearance from Prime Minister or government unless they are part of Official Delegation. Please don't blindly follow the PMO WhatsApp suggestions sent to TV channels," Mr. Surjewala said in response to reports which alleged that Mr. Gandhi did not take political clearance for his trip to London. Official sources, however, said that MPs have in the past taken political clearance from the government if they intended to receive "foreign hospitality".
