Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi to Open Debate on Voter Rolls

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday told Home Minister Amit Shah not to confuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but instead convince him to have an open debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Debate Challenge

Mr. Gandhi shared a video montage comparing Mr. Shah's remarks in Parliament in December that an SIR debate cannot take place in both Houses with his comments on Thursday that the government is open to a special session of Parliament to discuss the SIR. In a post in Hindi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha told Mr. Shah to convince the PM for an open debate at any platform and any time, ending with the words "Daro Mat."

Party Reactions

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tagged Mr. Gandhi's post and said the PM can also use a teleprompter. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the Prime Minister should come forward and face questions on vote theft posed by the nation. Mr. Gandhi previously dared the PM to a debate on accusations that the opposition is anti-national and takes foreign help.

BJP Response

BJP leaders have scoffed at Mr. Gandhi's challenge. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that a debate platform already exists in Parliament, reminding Mr. Gandhi that he is the LoP in the Lok Sabha and needs to show seriousness and responsibility.

Context

Political debates and public challenges between ruling and opposition figures are a common part of national politics in India. Disagreements over electoral rolls and parliamentary discussions frequently lead to public exchanges between leaders of major political parties.