Athawale tells Rahul Gandhi to bring his issues to Parliament, says government ready for debate

Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has responded to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who had challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a debate. Athawale said that if Gandhi wants a debate, he should come to Parliament, as the government is ready to talk. According to him, Gandhi should be present in the coming winter session and put forward the issues he wants discussed. Athawale also said he himself could hold an open debate with Gandhi.

Speaking during an interaction in Mumbai on Wednesday, Athawale said there was no problem with Gandhi challenging Prime Minister Modi to a debate. But he said it was better for the discussion to take place in Parliament than in an open ground. According to Athawale, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that a special session will also be convened. He therefore asked Gandhi to come to Parliament in the winter session and present his issues.

Athawale said the government is not afraid of Gandhi's challenge. In his words, the government is strong and fully ready for a debate.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also targeted Gandhi. He alleged that Parliament is a place for discussion, yet Gandhi makes misleading statements there instead of debating. Hussain claimed that since becoming Leader of the Opposition, Gandhi has only worked to obstruct the functioning of Parliament. He said Gandhi holds a "mock parliament" on the streets instead of in Parliament. Hussain also claimed that in parliamentary debates the government has answered Gandhi's allegations and rebutted his claims every time.

Hussain alleged that the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan failed, and that Gandhi is therefore making such statements to stay in the news. He also said even the state president of the BJP Yuva Morcha could debate Gandhi.

Athawale also spoke on the alleged slap case involving a Congress MP. He said a video that has surfaced shows a Congress leader slapping a woman. According to Athawale, respecting women is the responsibility of every political party, and slapping a woman is unacceptable under any circumstances. He demanded that the person concerned apologise for it.

Speaking on a matter involving actress Dia Mirza, Athawale praised her. He said every religion has the right to celebrate festivals in its own way. Firecrackers are burst at Diwali, but the question of pollution is also important, he said. Athawale made clear that he agrees there should be no pollution.