The matter involving an open debate challenge by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to PM Narendra Modi has heated up again. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has once again asked the PM to agree to a face-to-face discussion on several issues, including alleged foreign influence and concerns about India’s financial system. On Tuesday, Gabdhi said PM Modi can even choose the venue for the open debate. He also wants the debate to be held in front of the media and young people so that the public can follow it. He added that the PM can pick anyone to moderate the session, even RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

"It has been 24 hours, Modi ji. I have challenged you. You say that the Opposition is anti-national. Pick any stage, any venue, and debate me. Who is anti-national? Who has links with foreign forces and what kind of connections are they?" Gandhi said in Hindi. "Do it as soon as possible. Don't be afraid," Gandhi said, taking to his X handle.

Amit Shah On Rahul Gandhi's Open Debate Challenge

Responding to Rahul Gandhi's challenge, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government was prepared to discuss all matters in Parliament and asked Gandhi to participate in the proceedings. The remarks came a day after Gandhi first proposed the open debate.

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Rahul Gandhi Questions US Deal, Adani Case Closure

The Congress leader also questioned Modi's US deal negotiations and why it was finalised without informing the Cabinet. He also asked why Gautam Adani's case involving US securities fraud and bribery was closed.

"Why did you take this decision alone? Why wasn't the Cabinet informed? Why was the (Gautam) Adani case closed? What about (Jeffrey) Epstein?" Gandhi asked.

Rahul Gandhi also pointed out the string of legal troubles he’s been dealing with, noting that close to 45 defamation cases have been slapped on him. He made it clear that none of those cases had anything to do with the comments he had made about alleged foreign links, and added that the PM was free to take legal action over the matter if he chose to do so.

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Amit Shah Targets Rahul Gandhi

Meanwhile, Amit Shah, during his trip to Raipur on Tuesday, hit out at the Congress leader. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav, the Home Minister alleged Gandhi was supporting the Maoist concept of a "Janata Sarkar," or people’s government. He went further, accusing the Congress of having backed Naxalism all along.

Shah also repeated that the Centre was ready to discuss several issues in Parliament, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and claims of illegal infiltration. He said the government was prepared to take these matters up during a special session of Parliament.