Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, November 13, renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a one-on-one public debate, claiming that Modi would not remain in office after such an exchange.
During an “Ask Me” session on Instagram, Gandhi was asked why he was insisting on a public debate when the BJP had said the discussion could take place in Parliament.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said he was not being allowed to speak in the House and alleged that his microphone had been switched off.
“You did not let me talk on the farm bills, vote chori, SIR, China, on (Gen) Naravane’s book, Epstein. I want a one-on-one debate. I don’t want a debate entailing long speeches,” Gandhi said.
He described the format he wanted, saying both leaders should sit across a table and directly question each other.
“I want that Narendra Modi makes allegations against me and I do the same to him. He can come; there will be a table, on one side there will be Narendra Modi ji and on the other side, it would be me,” he said.
Gandhi added that he would have no objection if Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat were appointed as the judge for the debate.
“But I guarantee that the prime minister will not remain the PM after a one-on-one debate with me,” he said.
BJP leaders question Gandhi’s challenge
Gandhi has repeatedly challenged Modi to an open debate. On an earlier occasion, he claimed that he would need only five minutes to establish that the Prime Minister was a “traitor”.
BJP leaders have dismissed the challenge and accused Gandhi of avoiding debates in Parliament.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has argued that Parliament already provides a platform for debate. She urged Gandhi to show “some seriousness and responsibility” in his role as Leader of the Opposition rather than asking the Prime Minister to choose another venue.
