‘Roses are given on Valentine’s Day:’ Himanta responds to Rahul’s debate challenge to PM Modi

New Delhi: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday responded to Rahul Gandhi’s public debate challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said Parliament was the appropriate place for such a discussion and urged the Congress leader to initiate it.

Sarma also took a swipe at Gandhi for holding a rose while wishing the Prime Minister on Diwali in a video. “Dear Rahul ji, roses are given on Valentine’s Day, not on Diwali. Anyway, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will see you in Parliament,” Sarma wrote on X.

Parliament debate urged

In a separate video, Sarma questioned Gandhi’s approach as leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. He asked why Gandhi wanted a debate outside Parliament when both leaders could address issues in the House. Sarma said the discussion could cover subjects ranging from the Bofors controversy to the Bhopal gas tragedy. He urged Gandhi to allow proceedings without disruption.

“This time, please ensure there is no ruckus in Parliament. You should initiate the debate; the Prime Minister will respond, and all these issues can be addressed,” he said.

Dear Rahul ji, Rose Valentine’s Day पर देते हैं, Diwali पर नहीं।

खैर, BJP will see you in Parliament 🌹 https://t.co/TaSr3C9001

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 4, 2026

Sarma also advised Gandhi to move beyond what he called an “angry young man” role.

Rahul proposes public discussion

Gandhi had challenged Modi on Tuesday to debate before the media and the country’s youth. He sought a discussion on accusations against the opposition and alleged foreign connections.

“Choose any stage, any venue, and debate me on this – Who is anti-national? Who has connections with foreign forces? And what is the nature of those connections?”

Gandhi proposed that the two leaders sit across a table and said Modi could choose the moderator. “You can appoint whoever you want as the judge. You can even make Mohan Bhagwat ji the judge,” he said.

Issues Gandhi listed

The Congress leader said he wanted answers on the financial system, the India-US deal, the Adani case and the Epstein matter.

“Let the truth come out. Let everything be crystal clear,” he said. Gandhi also challenged Modi to file a defamation case over his allegations about foreign connections. He said he already faced around 45 defamation cases over other matters.