New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday intensified his demand for a one-on-one public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he possesses evidence supporting his allegations against the Prime Minister on his mobile phone. Speaking during an Instagram “Ask Me” session, Gandhi alleged that his phone was being tapped and asserted that the Prime Minister was aware of the information stored on it. He said a direct public debate would reveal “who is controlled by foreign powers” and other matters he claimed to have documented.

Responding to criticism from the BJP that such a debate could take place in Parliament, Gandhi argued that he had repeatedly been prevented from speaking in the House. He alleged that his microphone was switched off during discussions on issues including the farm laws, alleged vote irregularities, China, General M.M. Naravane’s book, and the Epstein controversy. Gandhi said he wanted a face-to-face exchange with the Prime Minister rather than speeches, adding that he was prepared for the debate even if it was moderated by a person chosen by the BJP, including industrialist Gautam Adani or RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Gandhi further claimed that Prime Minister Modi had become cautious in his public remarks about him because of the pressure created by his challenge. In a post on social media, he also criticised the Prime Minister for allegedly relying on a teleprompter during a public event and renewed his call for a live debate. BJP leaders, however, dismissed Gandhi’s challenge, maintaining that Parliament is the appropriate forum for such discussions. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also urged the Congress leader to participate seriously in parliamentary debates instead of seeking a separate public confrontation.