Himanta Sarma takes swipe at Rahul Gandhi over call for debate, ‘rose’ gesture
Guwahati, Nov 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his call for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urging him to raise issues and participate in discussions in Parliament instead.
Referring to a recent video posted by Gandhi, Sarma also mocked the Congress leader for holding a rose while extending Diwali greetings to the Prime Minister.
“Roses are associated with Valentine’s Day, not Diwali,” Sarma said, taking a dig at Gandhi and questioning his understanding of Indian traditions and culture.
The Assam Chief Minister said that as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi should seek a debate in Parliament rather than attempting to take political discussions to the streets.
“If Rahul Gandhi considers himself the Leader of the Opposition, where should his debate with the Prime Minister take place? On the streets or in Parliament?” Sarma asked.
He said Parliament provides adequate space for discussions on issues concerning the country, including India’s relations with the US and other policy matters raised by the Congress leader.
Sarma urged Gandhi to attend Parliament and participate in debates without disruptions. He said ministers, including the Union Home Minister, could respond to issues raised during parliamentary discussions, while the Prime Minister could also intervene.
“We want a debate in Parliament, not on the streets,” he said, adding that Rahul Gandhi should allow people to listen to substantive discussions on important national issues.
The Chief Minister also accused the Congress of adopting a selective approach towards electoral outcomes and allegations concerning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
He said the Congress questions election results when the BJP wins but accepts the outcome when it emerges victorious.
Taking a swipe at Gandhi, Sarma said the Congress leader should “come out of this mindset” and focus on meaningful political engagement and parliamentary debate.
–IANS
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