Rahul Gandhi Challenges PM Modi To Debate On Anti-National Allegations

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition <b>Rahul Gandhi</b> challenged Prime Minister <b>Narendra Modi</b> to a public debate on Monday, November 9, 2026. The challenge followed Modi’s Deepavali address to CRPF personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, where he warned against "dimagi Naxals" infiltrating political parties. Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of branding political opponents as Naxals and undermining democracy. In a social media post, he stated that CRPF personnel’s expressions showed they did not believe the PM’s remarks. He reiterated his demand for a debate to determine who is anti-national or controlled by foreign forces. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh criticized the PM for using abusive language on a solemn occasion. BJP leaders dismissed the challenge, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that Parliament remains the appropriate forum for such discussions.