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Gandhi already has a reputation for disappearing from the public stage during critical moments for the party -- he addressed only four public meetings during the Delhi campaign, and his latest sabbatical has already raised eyebrows, and questions, over its intent and timing.
The strongest reactions, however, were reserved for Twitter where multiple hashtags about the move sprung up almost immediately like so many weeds. Not surprisingly, the funny bone of the Twitterati was on full display at this seeming abdication of responsibility by the Congress 'Princeling'.
#WhereIsRahul even became a global trend, whlle #RahulonLeave had its own moment in the sun. Here’s a glimpse of the Twitterati at their sarcastic best:
my #cartoon in Mail Today #WhereIsRahul #Oscars2015 pic.twitter.com/2pv08j3weR
— Sandeep Adhwaryu (@CartoonistSan) February 24, 2015
'Rahul Gandhi and the Art of Vacationing.' (My somewhat exasperated column. Let it be the last on this subject.) http://t.co/DIItJLex25
— Mihir Sharma (@mihirssharma) February 23, 2015
Chill guys Rahul's just got a Spicejet ticket for Rs 599 #WhereIsRahul
— ????? ??? (@RakeshKadam) February 24, 2015
#RahulOnLeave @NeelabhToons takes a dig at Rahul bunking budget session in Parliament pic.twitter.com/ADMhqCuaG8
— Joel Samuel (@joel__Samuel) February 23, 2015
Budget Session: #RahulGandhi goes on leave. My #cartoon #WhereIsRahulGandhi #WhereIsRahul #RahulOnLeave pic.twitter.com/lL3Jv0Y9fs
— MANJUL (@MANJULtoons) February 24, 2015
Even the big man himself is asking #WhereIsRahul ! pic.twitter.com/cfhR8Z9OLU
— # Stormchazers # (@stormchazers) February 24, 2015
Rahul Gandhi is biggest example how parents force career choices down their kids throat in India. #RahulOnLeave #WhereIsRahul
— Deepika Bhardwaj (@DeepikaBhardwaj) February 23, 2015
When did Rahul work? He was always on leave, this time he is on declared leave. That's only difference.. #WhereIsRahul
— VAISHALI (@vaishalidbhatt) February 23, 2015
Four rumors doing the rounds about Rahul Gandhi's leave of absence http://t.co/e1Kg4W3gbE #RahulOnLeave pic.twitter.com/Fi6W35hGbO
While cartoonists had their say, the News Minute got speculative about Rahul Gandhi’s intention to take a sabbatical
— TheNewsMinute (@thenewsminute) February 24, 2015
Can you see him? @rupasubramanya via sonaliranade: LOL. “@rahulroushan: #WhereIsRahul pic.twitter.com/2aPZRAs8fn””
— ramesh sharma (@rameshfilms) February 23, 2015
Why is Rahul Gandhi's 'leave of absence' timed for the start of the budget session? You don't take leave when school starts surely.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 23, 2015
Rahul Gandhi asks for some leave from Congress ( reflection time.). Oh, I thought he was on long leave already ....
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 23, 2015