Congress former chief Rahul Gandhi has accepted the invitation from former judges and a senior journalist for a `public debate’ between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, the BJP instead of responding to the invitation avoided and mocked Gandhi’s readiness for the debate as it questioned his knowledge of issues and his standing, noting that he is neither the president of his party nor the leader of the opposition.
Earlier this month, a senior journalist and two former judge wrote to Prime Minister Modi and Rahul Gandhi to participate in a public debate on the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Former Editor of The Hindu newspaper N Ram, former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur and former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A.P. Shah urged the two leaders to participate in a public debate on a non-commercial and non-partisan platform.
Immediately Rahul Gandhi responded positively and said his party welcomed the initiative and accepted the invitation for a debate between him and the Prime Minister. He posted his reply to the letter on X, formerly Twitter.
“It would be a positive initiative for the major parties to present their vision to the country from one platform for a healthy democracy. Congress welcomes this initiative and accepts the invitation for discussion. The country also expects the Prime Minister to take part in this dialogue,” Gandhi’s post read.
However, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi took a swipe at Gandhi over his claim that the opposition INDIA bloc will win the Lok Sabha polls, saying someone who could not file his nomination from Amethi is speaking about forming a government at the Centre. “Phenomenon thy name is Rahul Gandhi,” he said mockingly. Trivedi asked in what capacity is Gandhi looking to debate with Modi as he is merely an MP of his party.
BJP MP and Yuva Morcha chief Tejasvi also Surya reacted strongly to Rahul Gandhi’s letter saying the latter “isn’t even the PM candidate of the Congress Party, let alone the INDI Alliance”.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said Rahul Gandhi “has now punched above his weight”. “Debate is good. But why should anyone, let alone the sitting Prime Minister, debate Rahul Gandhi? He is neither the Congress President nor PM face of I.N.D.I Alliance. The Congress should stop using brand Modi to relaunch Raul Gandhi,” he wrote on X.