11 May 2024: During an event in Lucknow, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed openness to engaging in a debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while also acknowledging mistakes made by his party in the past. Gandhi emphasized the need for the Congress party to adapt its political strategies for the future.
Addressing the audience, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi, portraying him as a monarch rather than a democratic leader who fronts for “two-three financiers.” He highlighted the importance of responsible governance and expressed his readiness to debate on issues concerning the public.
Responding to a query about the Constitution during the event organized by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation, Gandhi affirmed his willingness to engage in a debate with Modi, although he anticipated that the Prime Minister would not accept the challenge.
“The Congress party will also have to change its politics in the coming times. This will have to be done. I also want to say that the Congress party has also made mistakes and I am saying this while being from the Congress party,” Gandhi stated.
While Gandhi did not delve into specifics regarding the changes needed within the Congress party, he predicted that the ruling BJP would secure less than 180 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He reiterated his commitment to serving the public interest, emphasizing that his involvement in politics is driven by a desire to help the people.
Gandhi also advocated for the inclusion of marginalized communities in all spheres of society, emphasizing the need for a caste-based census to ensure equitable representation. He accused Prime Minister Modi of undermining the Constitution and asserted that the ruling party’s policies neglect the interests of the majority of the population.
Concluding his remarks, Gandhi reaffirmed his readiness to participate in debates and engage in dialogue with political opponents. He underscored the importance of democratic discourse and called for constructive engagement on issues of national importance.
The event shed light on Gandhi’s perspective on the current political landscape and his vision for the future of the Congress party. As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, Gandhi’s statements signal a willingness to confront challenges head-on and adapt to changing political dynamics.
