Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has responded sharply to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who has been challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a face-to-face debate.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said the government was ready to convene a special Parliament session to discuss electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the SIR issue, and asked whether Rahul Gandhi was prepared to attend and debate in person. Rahul Gandhi sidestepped that challenge and instead renewed his debate challenge to the Prime Minister on social media. He wrote that the Prime Minister could choose any venue, that even Mohan Bhagwat could act as moderator, and that he was ready to debate before the people of the country.
In a social media post, Sitharaman said Rahul Gandhi was asking the Prime Minister to pick a venue, when Parliament, where he sits as Leader of the Opposition, is the proper place. She noted that the Home Minister had already said the government was ready to hold a special session on SIR and EVMs.
She accused Rahul Gandhi of showing enthusiasm for challenges on social media but refusing to show the same in Parliament. She said it was his habit to question the government and then walk out when it replied, adding that one must have the patience and tolerance to hear the other side. She also said a mock Parliament meeting held at the Congress president’s residence mocked the dignity of Parliament.
Sitharaman urged Rahul Gandhi, who often tells people not to be afraid, to come to Parliament with real evidence and face the debate fully.
