'Rahul Gandhi not taken seriously even by Congress': Assam minister Ashok Singhal

Assam Minister Ashok Singhal on November 6 launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his demand for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accusing him of avoiding discussions in Parliament.

Singhal claimed that Gandhi was not taken seriously even within his own party and alleged that his political statements lacked consistency.

"Rahul Gandhi is not taken seriously by the Congress party itself. The people of the country also do not take him seriously. Why are you taking him so seriously?" Singhal said.

Reacting to Gandhi's call for a debate, the Assam minister said discussions were essential in a democracy but maintained that Parliament was the appropriate platform for such exchanges.

"A debate should happen. Debate is very important in a democracy. But where should the debate take place? There must be a proper platform for it. The Constitution has designated Parliament as the place for debate," he said.

Singhal pointed out that Gandhi was the Leader of the Opposition, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Leader of the House, and questioned why the Congress leader did not raise issues directly in Parliament.

"So why doesn't Rahul Gandhi speak in Parliament? He runs away from Parliament and does not allow the House to function," he alleged.

Taking another swipe at Gandhi, Singhal predicted that the Congress leader would soon leave for a foreign tour instead of pursuing his demand for a debate.

"Just wait four days, and you will see him leave for a foreign tour. There is no consistency in him," he said.

Praising the Prime Minister's leadership, Singhal said Modi had transformed India's global standing over the past 12-and-a-half years.

"In the last 12 and a half years, Modi ji has brought the country out of darkness and made India a Vishwamitra," he added.