Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Ever since news broke of Rahul Gandhi's 'leave of absence', social media has become abuzz with his 'sabbatical'. While some poked fun at the Congress vice-president, others came out in his defence.

However, if you trust the Congress then its vice-president will be back in the political humdrum in two weeks.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh tweeted, "If Rahul wans to reflect what went wrong why criticise him? Every one wants some peace to reflect. Only timing could have been better (sic)."

Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha tweeted, "I have been told #WhereIsRahul is a global trend. Good! If his absence is such big news, await his return. And presence. Patience, guys!"

On the other hand, Twitter handle @TusharChelsea tweeted, "So, is #RahulGandhi on leave without pay or does he keep drawing a stipend from the Congress loot of 60 years?"

Another twitter user, @RjRAHOUL, tweeted, "So mango ppl bunk office & take Time Offs; for pseudo-royals, the term is 'leave of absence'... Right?"

Countering the speculation about Rahul's plan of action, Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday said, "We have made known the whole situation quite clearly. Do not try to find various meanings, possibilities in it, and resort to speculation and spread the needle of suspicion. We reject such attempts to speculate other possibilities." However, he steered clear of questions whether Rahul is in India or abroad, and whether he was angry or sulking.

While Rahul stays absent from the crucial Budget Session, sources in Lok Sabha said Rahul has given no letter to the Secretariat about his absence from the House. "We have received no letter," a source said, adding that such a letter is needed when a member wants to take more than three weeks leave.