Rahul Gandhi challenges Prime Minister Modi to public debate over foreign-aid allegations

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate after alleging that the prime minister’s rise and continued tenure were supported by foreign assistance. In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, "Mr Modi, stop lying to this nation. You became PM because of foreign help. You remain PM because of foreign help," and added that India’s financial system and social media platforms were influenced by foreign entities. He said, "I challenge you to an open debate about this. Any stage, any time. Come if you have the guts. You won't dare, because you are terrified of what I know about you."

Modi had earlier accused opposition parties of obstructing development and suggested that certain forces were trying to destabilise the country by spreading false information. Speaking in Gujarat, he described the opposition as an "Avrodh Paksh" (obstructionist bloc) rather than a legitimate "Virodh Paksh" (opposition bloc), and claimed they were violating constitutional norms. The prime minister also questioned the foreign contacts of opposition leaders, asking who was meeting abroad and whether anti-India forces were supporting them.

The exchange follows heightened political tensions, with both leaders using strong language to criticize each other’s motives and actions.