FM Nirmala Sitharaman challenged Rahul Gandhi to debate Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament rather than on social media, accusing the Congress and INDIA bloc of disrupting proceedings and questioning their commitment to democratic parliamentary discussions.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday strongly criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his demand for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying Parliament is the appropriate platform for discussing political allegations and holding the government accountable.
Responding to Gandhi’s challenge through a post on social media platform X, Sitharaman questioned why the Congress leader was seeking a separate venue for a debate when Parliament already provided an established democratic platform for such discussions.
“Rahul ji, you ask the Prime Minister to choose a venue for a debate. There is already one: Parliament, where you happen to be the LoP,” Sitharaman wrote.
The Finance Minister also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s offer, made a day earlier, to hold a special session of Parliament to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Sitharaman questioned whether Gandhi and the Congress leadership would demonstrate the same enthusiasm for discussing these issues inside Parliament as they showed while issuing public challenges on social media.
“Why not show the same enthusiasm for a debate in Parliament that you show while issuing challenges on social media?” she asked.
The Finance Minister accused Rahul Gandhi and members of the INDIA opposition alliance of repeatedly walking out of parliamentary proceedings when the government attempted to respond to their allegations. She argued that demanding answers from the government also required the Opposition to remain present and listen to the responses.
“Demanding answers also carries an obligation to hear them,” Sitharaman said.
She further alleged that there had been several instances when Gandhi and Congress members left the House while ministers were responding to allegations raised by the Opposition.
Questioning the Opposition’s commitment to meaningful parliamentary discussions, she asked how Gandhi could claim to be interested in a debate if he and his party members did not remain present to hear the government’s explanations.
Sitharaman also criticised the Opposition for repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings, claiming that such interruptions had resulted in entire sittings being wasted. She argued that Parliament could not function effectively if members continued to obstruct discussions and prevent legislative business from proceeding.
“If you are so keen on debating, why not allow Parliament to function in the first place?” she questioned.
Taking another swipe at the Congress, the Finance Minister referred to a recent mock Parliament exercise organised by the party at the residence of its president. She criticised the event, suggesting that the Opposition was giving greater importance to symbolic political activities outside Parliament than to discussions within the actual legislative institution.
“Frankly, that was more a ‘mockery of Parliament’ than a ‘mock Parliament’. You found the time and enthusiasm for that exercise. Surely, the real Parliament deserves at least as much,” she remarked.
The Finance Minister also challenged Gandhi to demonstrate his commitment to democratic institutions and constitutional values through constructive participation in parliamentary proceedings. She said political leaders who frequently speak about protecting democracy and the Constitution should also respect the institutions established under the country’s democratic framework.
Sitharaman urged the Congress leader to raise specific allegations supported by evidence instead of making broad accusations without providing sufficient facts. She emphasised that serious political claims should be presented before the appropriate democratic forum and subjected to scrutiny.
Referring to Gandhi’s frequently used slogan, “Daro mat” (Do not be afraid), Sitharaman asked him to present evidence, face questions and remain in Parliament to hear the government’s response.
“You say, ‘Daro mat.’ Then bring the facts, face the scrutiny and stay to hear the answers. In the House, uphold the standards of debate you demand from others,” she concluded.
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The exchange has brought parliamentary accountability, Opposition participation and the functioning of democratic institutions into the political spotlight, particularly amid disagreements over electoral roll revision, EVMs and the conduct of parliamentary proceedings.
Sitharaman’s remarks underline the government’s position that Parliament should remain the principal forum for political debate, scrutiny and accountability, while the Opposition’s demand for answers should be addressed through substantive discussions within the legislature.
