Smriti Irani challenges Rahul Gandhi to choose any BJP leader for debate

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday challenged Rahul Gandhi for an open debate with any BJP leader of his choice, including party supremo Amit Shah.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has said this. Rahul Gandhi should come forward and speak on any issue. He can speak in Parliament or in front of us," Irani said, after she was asked by reporters on Congress chief’s attacks on PM Modi.

"If not in Parliament, he can come for a debate on a TV channel. Even our national president (Amit Shah) can take part in that. He (Gandhi) is free to choose any of our party workers. We are ready for debate, provided he doesn't carry a book or a piece of paper with him," Irani said.

The union minister was here to speak about what Modi government has achieved in the last 4 years of the tenure.

"Not just India, but the entire world is affected by the situation in oil-producing countries and decisions of OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries). The debt of our country, inherited from the UPA rule, is also a big challenge for us," Irani said when asked about rising fuel prices.