Rahul Gandhi renews debate challenge to Prime Minister Modi as Amit Shah says government ready

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reiterated his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate on allegations of foreign influence, the country's financial system and other issues. Gandhi posted on X that the discussion should be held in front of the media and youth, and suggested that any moderator chosen by Modi, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, could preside over the debate.

"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? Do it as soon as possible. Don't be afraid," Gandhi wrote in Hindi.

Gandhi also asked why a recent deal with the United States was negotiated quickly and without apparent Cabinet involvement, and raised questions about the closure of the Gautam Adani case and the Jeffrey Epstein matter. He noted that he faces around 45 defamation cases but none related to his remarks on foreign connections, inviting the Prime Minister to pursue legal action if desired.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded during a visit to Raipur, stating that the government is prepared to discuss every issue in Parliament, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, electronic voting machines and alleged infiltration. Shah said a special parliamentary session could be convened and challenged Gandhi to a debate from Hyderabad.

BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey also posted on X, offering to meet Gandhi at the Congress office to debate the documents and alleged foreign links.

The exchange follows recent remarks by Prime Minister Modi, who accused unnamed forces of dividing the country and labeled the Opposition as an obstructionist force. Gandhi had earlier claimed that Modi's tenure was sustained by foreign assistance and called for a public discussion to separate truth from allegations.