ECI-SIR Row: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday slammed senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his repeated debate challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a detailed post on X, Sitharaman suggested Gandhi use parliament to seek accountability from the government instead of challenging the prime minister on social media. She also accused the opposition of creating a ruckus during the parliament sessions. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi challenged PM Modi for a public debate over his allegation of involvement of foreign forces in the recent protests.
Sitharaman's Suggestion To Rahul
In her post, Sitharaman also pointed out that the opposition did accept Home Minister Amit Shah's invitation of a special session of parliament over the functioning of the Election Commission. She further stated that the INDIA bloc MPs walked out of parliament on numerous occasions while the government responded to their concerns.
"Rahul ji, you ask the Prime Minister to choose a venue for a debate. There is already one: Parliament, where you happen to be the LoP," Sitharaman wrote. "Just yesterday, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah offered a special session to debate SIR and EVMs. Why not show the same enthusiasm for a debate in Parliament that you show while issuing challenges on social media?" she asked.
Rahul's Challenge To PM Modi
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi repeated his public debate offer to PM Modi over the "foreign links", further stating that the prime minister can even choose the venue and time. "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 his video message.
"Do it as soon as possible. Don't be afraid," the Congress leader added. While citing an Indian Express report, the opposition has sought removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and a detailed probe into the poll rigging allegations.