Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that his phone was being tapped by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed it contained evidence supporting his allegations against the government. He also renewed his challenge to Modi for a one-on-one public debate.
Speaking during an Instagram ‘Ask Me’ session, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said he wanted a direct exchange rather than a debate involving lengthy speeches. He argued that he had not been allowed to raise several issues in Parliament, including the farm laws, alleged voter list irregularities, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), China and General M.M. Naravane’s book.
Rahul proposed a face-to-face debate with Modi, suggesting that Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani or RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat could act as the judge. He claimed that such an encounter would end Modi’s political career.
Responding to another question, Rahul said his phone contained proof of his allegations, adding that it was being tapped by the prime minister. He also claimed that a public debate would establish who was being controlled by foreign powers and who was acting against national interests.
In a video posted on X, Rahul repeated his challenge, alleging that Modi was becoming increasingly cautious in his public comments about him because of mounting pressure.
The Congress leader also took a swipe at Modi over his use of a teleprompter during a Diwali gathering, questioning why the prime minister needed a script at an event attended by his own supporters.
The BJP has rejected Rahul’s repeated calls for a public debate. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman argued that Parliament already provides a platform for such exchanges and urged Rahul to show greater seriousness and responsibility in his role as Leader of the Opposition.
Rahul, meanwhile, has continued to press for a direct public confrontation, claiming that it would allow voters to judge the competing allegations themselves.
Source: The Telegraph, with inputs from PTI
