Rahul asks Modi to file defamation case
Gandhi also questioned why Modi had not initiated defamation proceedings over his allegations of foreign connections.
“You’ve filed defamation cases against me over other matters. I think there are around 45 defamation cases against me. But on this issue of the debate, on the question of foreign connections, you haven’t filed a defamation case. Go ahead, file one. We’ll discuss that openly too,” he said.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju, meanwhile, mocked Gandhi’s challenge, saying that high-level debates were meant to be held between “matured people”.
Comparing Gandhi’s remarks to “Islamic fundamentalists talking about secularism”, Rijiju accused the Congress leader of pushing agendas that benefited India’s enemies while accusing others of having foreign support.
“Pushing agendas of India’s enemies yet accusing others of foreign support is self-ridiculing,” Rijiju said in a post on X.
Modi had accused Opposition of obstructing development
The exchange follows Modi’s remarks during a visit to Gujarat on Saturday, when he alleged that forces within the country were creating instability by spreading rumours and lies even as India faced external challenges.
Taking a swipe at the Opposition, Modi said it had become an “Avrodh Paksh” (obstructionist bloc) instead of a “Virodh Paksh” (Opposition).
“In their frustration, these people are standing as obstacles in the way of the country’s development. This is not opposition; this is obstruction,” he said.
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Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to an open debate over allegations that the Opposition is anti-national, asking him to address claims of foreign connections. He also questions why Modi has not filed a defamation case over the allegations.
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