Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Challenges Rahul Gandhi to Debate in Parliament

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued a bold challenge to Rahul Gandhi, inviting him to debate in Parliament after he called for a public discussion with Prime Minister Modi. Gupta's remarks reference significant events in Congress's past, including the Emergency and the anti-Sikh riots, as she critiques the party's legacy. This challenge comes amid ongoing political tensions, with Gandhi urging Modi to address allegations of anti-national activities. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also weighed in, emphasizing that Parliament is the appropriate venue for such discussions. The political landscape continues to heat up as both leaders prepare for potential confrontations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 11:59 IST

Open Challenge from Delhi's Chief Minister

A file image of Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, Nov 4: On Wednesday, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta extended a public challenge to Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, inviting him to engage in a debate within Parliament following his call for a public discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gupta took the opportunity to criticize Gandhi by referencing significant events from the Congress party's history, including the Emergency declared in 1975 and the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, aiming to highlight the party's controversial legacy.

In a post on X, she stated: “Rahul Gandhi Ji, OPEN CHALLENGE. Come to Parliament. Let’s debate!”

She continued, “1975: Your grandmother imposed the Emergency. Opposition jailed. Press gagged. Democracy strangled.

1984: Your father was Prime Minister when thousands of innocent Sikhs were massacred in Delhi. Congress still cannot escape that bloodstained legacy,” she remarked.

Gupta also pointed out the Congress party's electoral failures, stating: “2014, 2019, 2024. Three consecutive terms. The fourth is already your biggest nightmare.”

“Don’t run away! Parliament of India, New Delhi. No visa required,” she added.

Her comments were a direct response to Gandhi's earlier challenge to PM Modi, where he urged the Prime Minister to select any venue for a debate regarding allegations of anti-national activities and supposed ties with foreign entities.

“24 hours have passed, Modi ji. I challenged you. You say that the opposition is anti-national. Pick any stage, any venue, and debate me. Who is the anti-national? Who has connections with foreign forces? And what kind of connections are they? Do it as soon as possible—don't be afraid,” Gandhi had posted on X.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also criticized Gandhi's call for a public debate, asserting that Parliament is the proper setting for such discussions.

In her response on X, Sitharaman remarked: “Rahul ji, you ask the Prime Minister to choose a venue for a debate. There is already one: Parliament, where you happen to be the LoP.”

She highlighted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had proposed a special session of Parliament the previous day to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

“Why not show the same enthusiasm for a debate in Parliament that you show while issuing challenges on social media?” she questioned.