The 18th Lok Sabha Election has reached its midpoint, and important questions about our constitutional democracy have been raised by both the ruling BJP and the principal opposition party, INC. In an open letter, former judges Madan B. Lokur and Ajit P. Shah, along with senior journalist N. Ram, have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to engage in a public debate.
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 Mallikarjun Kharge has questioned the Prime Minister on possible mutilation of the Constitution, the Electoral Bond scheme, and the government’s response to China, and also challenged him to a public debate. Both sides have asked each other questions about their respective Manifestos, as well as their stand on the constitutionally protected scheme of social justice.
The Invitation
Former Judges Madan B. Lokur, Ajit P. Shah, and senior journalist N. Ram believe that citizens would hugely benefit by hearing directly from our political leaders through a public debate on a non-partisan and non-commercial platform. It would be ideal if the public heard not just the questions of each side but also the responses. They respectfully request the two leaders, as leading voices from the two sides seeking the people’s mandate, to engage in a public debate with each other on the key issues of this election. The venue, duration, moderators, and format of the debate could be on terms agreeable to both sides.
A public debate would set a great precedent, not just by educating the public but also in projecting the true image of a healthy and vibrant democracy. Strengthening our democratic process immensely, this invitation aims to provide meaningful responses to allegations and challenges while engaging the public in informed dialogue.