English
English
English
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of tapping his phone. (Img: X)
New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was tapping his phone, claiming that it contained evidence relating to his allegations of foreign interference and individuals allegedly acting against India's interests.
Gandhi made the remarks during an interactive 'Ask Me' session on Instagram, where he responded to questions from users and reiterated his demand for a direct, one-on-one public debate with the Prime Minister.
Responding to a question seeking evidence for the competing allegations exchanged between him and the Prime Minister over alleged foreign influence, Gandhi held up his mobile phone and claimed that the material supporting his allegations was contained in it. He alleged that Modi was aware of the information because his phone was being tapped.
Gandhi asserted that a face-to-face debate would bring out who was allegedly operating under the influence of foreign powers, who was acting against national interests and for how long such activities had been taking place. He maintained that his challenge to the Prime Minister remained open and said the proposed discussion could take place at any time and at any venue.
Addressing a question on why he was seeking a separate public debate when Parliament already provided a platform for political discussions, Gandhi alleged that he had repeatedly been denied an opportunity to speak in the Lok Sabha.
He referred to several issues, including the farm laws, alleged electoral irregularities described as 'vote chori', the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, China's actions, former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane's book and the Epstein controversy, on which he claimed he had not been allowed to raise his concerns. Gandhi also alleged that his microphone had been switched off in the House, arguing that a direct debate would provide a more effective forum for addressing the issues.
Elaborating on the format of the debate, Gandhi proposed a direct exchange in which he and Modi would sit across a table and put forward allegations against each other, without lengthy speeches. He said he would have no objection if Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat were appointed to adjudicate the proposed debate.
Expressing confidence in his position, Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister's political standing would be seriously affected if he agreed to the one-on-one confrontation. He also said that the discussion would establish the truth behind allegations concerning foreign influence and activities allegedly prejudicial to national interests.
Gandhi's latest remarks come amid an ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over allegations of foreign influence and the revision of electoral rolls. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had responded to Gandhi's debate challenge on Thursday, asking him to raise the issues in Parliament, which he described as the appropriate forum for such discussions. Shah also indicated that the Centre was prepared to convene a special session of Parliament if the Congress made a formal request.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had earlier questioned Gandhi's insistence on a separate debate, pointing out that Parliament already provided him with an institutional platform to question the government. She urged him to demonstrate greater seriousness and responsibility in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition. Gandhi has repeatedly challenged Modi to a public debate, maintaining that a direct exchange would allow both sides.
