Public only hear allegations: RaGa, PM invited to public debate

• Former judges Madan B Lokur and AP Shah, along with journalist N Ram, have invited PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi for a public debate
• The letter noted that public is concered as they only hear allegations and challenges but no meaningful response from either side
• The debate is proposed to educate the public and project a true image of a healthy and vibrant democracy

Former judges Madan B Lokur and AP Shah, along with journalist N Ram, have extended invitations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a public debate on the ongoing Lok Sabha elections of 2024. The public is concerned that they have only heard allegations and challenges from either side but not any meaningful responses, the letter said.

"The General Election for the 18th Lok Sabha has already reached its midpoint. During rallies and public addresses, members of both the BJP, the party in power, and the INC, the principal opposition party, have asked important questions relating to the core of our constitutional democracy. The Prime Minister has publicly challenged the Congress on reservations, Article 370 and wealth redistribution. Congress president Mallikarjin Kharge has questioned the Prime Minister on possible mutilation of the Constitution, Electoral Bond scheme and the government's response to China, and also challenged him to a public debate," the letter said.

"A public debate such as this would, therefore, set a great precedent, not just by educating the public, but also in projecting the true image of healthy and vibrant democracy," it further added.

Madan B Lukur is a former judge of the Supreme Court, while AP Shah is a former chief justice of Delhi high court. N Ram is a senior journalist and the former editor-in-chief of The Hindu.