‘Let us know if PM agrees’: Rahul Gandhi after accepting invitation by ex-judges for public debate | India News

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accepted an invitation to a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was requested by two former judges and a senior journalist through a letter sent to both the leaders.
Former Judges Madan B Lokur, Ajit P Shah, and senior journalist N Ram wrote a letter inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a public debate on the Lok Sabha Election to give a proper response to the allegations and challenges that either side had put up against each other.

They also said that the public is concerned as they have only heard allegations and challenges from either side and have not heard any meaningful responses.

Replying to the invitation, Rahul said on X that such a debate “would be a positive initiative for the major parties to present their vision to the country from one platform for a healthy democracy”.
“Congress welcomes this initiative and accepts the invitation for discussion. The country also expects the Prime Minister to take part in this dialogue,” he said.

“I have discussed your invitation with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. We agree that such a debate will help people understand our respective vision and enable them to make an informed choice. It is also critical to put to rest any unsubstantiated allegations attributed to our respective parties. As the principal parties fighting the election, the public deserve to hear from their leaders directly. Accordingly, either myself or the Congress President would be pleased to participate in such a debate,” Rahul said in his letter.
“Please do let us know if and when the Prime Minister agrees to participate, following which we can discuss the details and format of the debate. Thank you once again for your initiative. I look forward to participating in a productive and historic debate,” he added.
In their letter to the leaders, the former judges and journalist said that it will be great if public listen to their responses and this is the reason a public debate would set a great precedent, not just by educating the public, but also in projecting the true image of a healthy and vibrant democracy.
“To this end, we believe that citizens would hugely benefit by hearing directly from our political leaders through a public debate on a non partisan and non commercial platform. It would be ideal if the public heard not just the questions of each side, but also the responses. We are of the view that this would help to strengthen our democratic process immensely,” as per the letter.
Madan B Lokur is a former judge of the Supreme Court, while AP Shah is a former chief justice of Delhi high court. N Ram is a senior journalist and the former editor-in-chief of The Hindu.
(With inputs from agencies)