Reiterating his earlier posts, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday that 17 days have passed but the Prime Minister has not yet gathered the "courage" to accept the invitation to debate with Rahul Gandhi.
In a post on X, Jairam said, "17 days have passed since Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter accepting the invitation to debate with the outgoing Prime Minister. The so-called 56-inch chest has not yet gathered the courage to accept the invitation."
It is pertinent to note that the invitation was extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by Retired Justice Madan B Lokur, Justice Ajit P Shah, and journalist N Ram for a debate on the key election issues.
On May 10, Rahul Gandhi in a letter addressed to retired judges Madan B Lokur, Ajit P Shah, and journalist N Ram, Gandhi expressed readiness to participate in the debate either himself or through Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
"It would be a positive initiative for the major parties to present their vision to the country from one platform for a healthy democracy. Congress welcomes this initiative and accepts the invitation for discussion. The country also expects the Prime Minister to take part in this dialogue," Rahul Gandhi said while accepting the invitation.