BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned Rahul Gandhi’s conduct, alleging that he frequently leaves Parliament when important issues are discussed and when the Prime Minister or government responds to opposition questions. Referring to the 2023 no-confidence motion against the government, Trivedi claimed that Rahul Gandhi left the Lok Sabha when Prime Minister Narendra Modi began speaking. He also made similar allegations regarding discussions on the Manipur issue.
Trivedi said the framers of the Indian Constitution established Parliament as the highest platform for debate and discussion. He argued that demanding a debate outside Parliament instead of using the elected House was inconsistent with democratic traditions. He added that Parliament provides elected representatives with an opportunity to raise public concerns and that the institution must be respected.
The BJP also suggested that Rahul Gandhi could organise a symbolic debate, similar to the symbolic Parliament organised by opposition parties, if he wanted to hold discussions outside the House.
The BJP’s response came after Rahul Gandhi reiterated his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate during a rally in Punjab on Wednesday.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s demand. He said that a debate with the Prime Minister should take place in Parliament rather than on the streets, as the House of elected representatives is the appropriate forum for such discussions.
Meanwhile, Assam Congress president and MP Gaurav Gogoi responded to Sarma’s remarks. He alleged that Sarma was worried about the possibility of a Congress government coming to power at the Centre, claiming that such a development could lead to the exposure of alleged wrongdoing and corruption.
