Rahul Gandhi back in Italy to celebrate New Year, but due to COVID, only EU/ Italian citizens are allowed

The Tatva Staff December 27, 2020

Though the Congress did not disclose Gandhi’s destination, the chief spokesperson of the party, Randeep Surjewala, confirmed that he will be away for a few days.

“Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has left for abroad for a short personal visit and will be away for a few days,” he told PTI.

Asked where was the former Congress chief headed, Surjewala did not disclose the details.

Sources said Gandhi left for Milan in Italy on a Qatar Airways flight in the morning.

Is that so?

The only way he could get around the COVID-19 entry requirements to Italy from India, at the height of the current pandemic measures, is if:

– he is still an Italian or EU citizen; or
– he has a secret partner/kids who are Italian residents.https://t.co/hMgZA9q9wI https://t.co/WLZ3eyGIqe pic.twitter.com/g2bXXAq9Dl
— Ruchir Sharma (@ruchirsharma_1) December 27, 2020

India is currently in List E countries according to the official government website. According to the rules in force for the Christmas and New Year period, people in List E countries can travel to Italy only for work, health or study reasons, absolute urgency and return to one’s own domicile, home, or residence.

The rules state, “Return/entry into Italy from this group of countries is always allowed to Italian/EU/Schengen citizens and their family members, as well as to holders of long-term resident status and their family members.”

Gandhi’s travel abroad comes a day ahead of the Congress’s 136th Foundation Day celebrations on Monday. The flag of the party will be hoisted at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters on the occasion.