Former Judges Invite Modi and Gandhi for Public Debate Amid Lok Sabha Elections
Justices Madan Lokur and AP Shah, former judges of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court respectively, have extended invitations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a public debate amid the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a letter addressed to both leaders, along with former Editor of The Hindu N Ram, the proposal is presented as non-partisan and in the nation’s best interests. They argue that a public debate on an unbiased platform would greatly benefit citizens and bolster the democratic process.
Given India’s status as the world’s largest democracy and the global attention drawn to its elections, the letter emphasizes that such a debate would set a significant precedent, serving to educate the public and showcase a healthy democratic system.
The letter highlights how, during rallies and public speeches, members of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have raised crucial questions concerning the essence of constitutional democracy. The Prime Minister has publicly challenged the Congress on various issues, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has posed questions to the Prime Minister, even challenging him to a public debate.
However, the letter expresses concerns about the absence of substantial responses from either side. It stresses the importance of ensuring that the public is well-informed in today’s digital era, marked by misinformation and manipulation.
As concerned members of the public, the signatories assert that it is essential for voters to have access to comprehensive information on all aspects of the debate to make informed decisions during elections.
To address this, Justices Lokur and Shah, along with N Ram, have urged Modi and Gandhi to participate in a debate on key election issues. They suggest that the venue, duration, moderators, and format be mutually agreed upon, offering the option for either leader to nominate a representative if unable to attend in person.
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