New Delhi, Nov 2026 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public debate, saying Parliament was the appropriate forum for such political exchanges.
Responding to Gandhi's demand on social media platform X, Sitharaman pointed out that he already had an established platform for debate in his capacity as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
"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," she posted.
The Finance Minister 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).
Questioning Gandhi's willingness to participate in parliamentary discussions, Sitharaman asked why he did not demonstrate the same enthusiasm for debates inside the House as he did while issuing challenges on social media.
She accused the Congress leader and other INDIA bloc members of repeatedly walking out of Parliament when the government attempted to respond to allegations raised by the Opposition.
"Demanding answers also carries an obligation to hear them," she said, questioning how the Opposition could seek a debate while not remaining present to listen to the government's response.
Sitharaman further accused the Opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings, resulting in entire sittings being washed out. She asked Gandhi to allow Parliament to function if he was genuinely interested in discussing issues and holding the government accountable.
The Finance Minister also criticised the Congress for organising a recent "mock Parliament" at the residence of the party president. Describing the exercise as more of a "mockery of Parliament", she said the Opposition should demonstrate equal enthusiasm for participating in the proceedings of the actual Parliament.
Calling on Gandhi to respect democratic institutions, Sitharaman said those who frequently speak about protecting democracy and the Constitution must also respect the institutions established under the constitutional framework.
She also urged the Leader of Opposition to raise specific allegations supported by evidence instead of making broad accusations without substantiation.
Referring to Gandhi's slogan, "Daro mat" (Do not be afraid), Sitharaman challenged him to present facts, face scrutiny and remain in the House to hear the government's response.
"In the House, uphold the standards of debate you demand from others," she said, concluding her response.
Her remarks come amid a continuing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress over electoral processes, the functioning of the Election Commission and the conduct of parliamentary proceedings.
