Sitharaman Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Debate Challenge, Says Parliament Is the Right Forum

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on November 3, 2026, responded sharply to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his renewed challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open public debate on several controversial political issues.

In a post on social media platform X, Sitharaman said Parliament was already the appropriate platform for the debate Gandhi was demanding. She questioned why the Congress leader was issuing challenges on social media instead of raising his questions and participating in discussions inside the Lok Sabha.

Sitharaman also referred to Home Minister Amit Shah's offer to hold a special parliamentary session to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). She asked why Gandhi was not showing similar enthusiasm for parliamentary discussions.

Sitharaman Criticises Congress Over Parliamentary Walkouts

The Finance Minister accused Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders of repeatedly walking out of Parliament while government representatives were responding to their allegations.

She argued that demanding answers also required Opposition leaders to remain present and listen to the government's response. Sitharaman further alleged that repeated disruptions by Congress and the INDIA alliance had resulted in several parliamentary sittings being washed out.

She also criticised the mock Parliament exercise recently organised by Congress at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, describing it as more of a mockery of Parliament than a genuine parliamentary exercise.

Rahul Gandhi's Open Debate Challenge to PM Modi

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had renewed his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a public debate, asking him to select a venue where both leaders could discuss important national issues in the presence of the media and young people.

Gandhi proposed discussing several controversial matters, including India's financial system, the US trade agreement, the Adani case and the Jeffrey Epstein controversy. He also questioned the circumstances surrounding the trade agreement and alleged that important decisions had been taken without adequately informing the Cabinet.

The Congress leader additionally raised questions about alleged foreign connections and challenged the Prime Minister to respond publicly to the accusations.

Sitharaman Demands Evidence-Based Allegations

Responding to Gandhi's accusations, Sitharaman asked him to present specific allegations supported by facts and evidence rather than making a broad list of political claims.

She urged the Leader of Opposition to bring his concerns before Parliament, face scrutiny and remain present to hear the government's answers.

The exchange has intensified the political confrontation between the BJP-led government and the Congress, with both sides questioning each other's commitment to democratic debate and parliamentary accountability.

The controversy also highlights continuing political disagreements over electoral reforms, the US trade deal and allegations involving major business and political figures.