'My phone is being tapped': Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to a one-on-one debate, suggests Adani or Bhagwat as judge

The opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accused PM Narendra Modi on Friday of tapping his mobile phone, saying that it contained evidence of foreign interference. In a video posted on X by the Congress party, Gandhi reiterated his call for a faceoff with PM Modi, adding that he was game for it "anytime, anywhere".

'Evidence is already with me': Gandhi's accusation

Gandhi stated that the PM must be aware of what he is saying as Modi's own phone connection is under scrutiny.

Making the claim, he said, "The Prime Minister knows this because my phone is tapped. As soon as he agrees for an open debate, everyone will know how many foreigners are controlling anti-national activities,"

Reaffirming his demand for an open debate, he said, "Let him show me who is an anti-national and who is under foreign control. In any case, anytime, anywhere."

Shifting political battle to the SIR of electoral rolls

Gandhi's comments mark an escalation of the ongoing political tussle between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls (SIR).

November 6 post: Earlier on November 6, Gandhi posted on X declaring his readiness for an open debate on "any platform, any time, any place," urging senior Union Ministers to convince the Prime Minister to participate.

Amit Shah's counter-challenge: On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accepted the debate challenge but dared Gandhi to bring the discussion to Parliament—the proper constitutional forum—adding that the Centre is prepared to convene a special parliamentary session if the Congress submits a formal request.

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