New Delhi, Nov 6 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in an open debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He also asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah not to confuse the Prime Minister and instead convince him to accept the debate.
Gandhi shared a video montage on social media highlighting the difference between Amit Shah’s earlier and recent statements on discussing SIR in Parliament.
In December last year, Shah had said that the issue of Special Intensive Revision could not be discussed in Parliament. However, on Thursday, he reportedly said that the government was ready to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the matter.
Reacting to these remarks, Rahul Gandhi posted in Hindi on X: “Amit Shah ji, don’t confuse Modi ji. Just convince him to have an open debate with me. Any platform, any time.”
He also added the message “Daro Mat” (Do not be scared), renewing his challenge to the Prime Minister.
Rahul Gandhi Repeats Challenge to PM Modi
Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly called for an open debate with Narendra Modi on several political issues. On Wednesday, he challenged the Prime Minister to debate his allegations concerning the opposition and its alleged foreign connections.
Gandhi even suggested holding the discussion on NDTV, saying that the Prime Minister could choose the platform and the judge for the debate.
He claimed that he could prove within five minutes that Modi was a “deshdrohi” (traitor). These remarks have further intensified the political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP.
Kharge Demands Answers from PM Modi on Vote Theft Allegations
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has also asked Prime Minister Modi to face questions raised by the public over alleged vote theft.
The Congress has been demanding answers from the BJP-led government regarding its allegations of irregularities in electoral processes and voter lists.
BJP Leaders Reject Rahul Gandhi’s Challenge
BJP leaders have criticised Rahul Gandhi’s repeated calls for an open debate with the Prime Minister.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Parliament itself provides an appropriate platform for discussing important national issues. She reminded Gandhi that, as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, he should act with seriousness and responsibility.
Sitharaman also questioned why Gandhi was asking the Prime Minister to choose a separate venue when Parliament was already available for debate.
Political Tensions Rise Over SIR Debate
The latest exchange has increased political tensions between the Congress and the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
While Rahul Gandhi wants a direct public debate with Prime Minister Modi, the BJP has pointed to Parliament as the appropriate forum for raising political and national issues.
The controversy over SIR, along with allegations of vote theft and electoral irregularities, is expected to remain a major political issue in the coming days.
