Rahul Gandhi Challenges Narendra Modi to Public Debate
Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public debate over allegations of foreign influence, which the BJP government rejected, insisting Parliament is the proper venue.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public face-off to debate national security and foreign influence. During an Insaaf Rally in Sangrur, Punjab, Gandhi claimed he could prove within five minutes that Modi is a "desh-drohi" and is "controlled" by US President Donald Trump. Gandhi alleged that Modi signed a secret trade deal with the United States under pressure from Trump, compromising Indian data and farmers' interests, and linked the deal to the closure of US legal proceedings against industrialist Gautam Adani.
Government officials consistently rejected the challenge, arguing that such discussions belong in Parliament. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma both criticized Gandhi for disrupting parliamentary proceedings and walking out of discussions. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi characterized Gandhi's remarks as the product of a "deranged mindset," while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju suggested Gandhi end his "deep hatred" toward the BJP and RSS to improve his party's electoral prospects.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge supported the push for accountability, challenging the Prime Minister to address allegations of "vote chori." Meanwhile, Gandhi expanded his criticism to include Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming the current government would not last long enough to fulfill its pledge to eradicate drug abuse in Punjab.
