Choose any BJP leader for debate, Smriti Irani challenges Rahul Gandhi

SURAT: Union Minister Smriti Irani today challenged Rahul Gandhi for a debate with a BJP leader of his choice, including party chief Amit Shah.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has said this. Rahul Gandhi should come forward and speak on any issue. He can speak in Parliament or in front of us," Irani said, when asked by reporters about the Congress chief's attacks on Modi on various issues through tweets.

"If not in Parliament, he can come for a debate on a TV channel. Even our national president (Amit Shah) can take part in that. He (Gandhi) is free to choose any of our party workers. We are ready for debate, provided he doesn't carry a book or a piece of paper with him," Irani said.


The union textile minister was here to speak about achievements of the Modi government in the last four years.

Asked about rising fuel prices, she said, "Not just India, but the entire world is affected by the situation in oil-producing countries and decisions of OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries). The debt of our country, inherited from the UPA rule, is also a big challenge for us."