Rahul Gandhi agrees to debate publically with PM, BJP reacts 'Who is he?'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, expressed openness to participate in a public debate on the Lok Sabha elections, responding to an invitation from retired justices Madan B Lokur, AP Shah, and journalist N Ram. Gandhi, along with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, welcomed the proposal and hoped for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation as well.

In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi shared his response to the invitation, "It would be a positive initiative for the major parties to present their vision to the country from one platform for a healthy democracy." 

He added that the nation expects PM Modi to participate in the debate. Gandhi said he discussed the invitation with Mallikarjun Kharge and they agreed that such a debate would help people understand "our respective vision and enable them to make an informed choice".

"Accordingly, either myself or the Congress president would be pleased to participate in such a debate," he added.

However, Gandhi's nod for debate attracted heavy criticism from BJP leaders. Several BJP leaders, including Tejasvi Surya, reacted strongly to Rahul Gandhi's letter saying the latter “Who is Rahul Gandhi, that PM Modi should debate with him? he isn’t even the PM candidate of the Congress Party, let alone the INDI Alliance”.

Union minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Amethi Smriti Irani said, "First, the person who does not have the courage to contest against a normal BJP worker in his so-called castle, should refrain from boasting. Second, who wants to sit at level with PM Modi and have a debate, I want to ask him if he is a PM candidate of the INDI alliance."