Himanta Sarma slams Rahul Gandhi: 'Debate in Parliament, not streets'
Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma did not just dismiss Rahul Gandhi's call for a public debate — he used it to question Gandhi's credibility as Leader of the Opposition, arguing that the institutional arena for any such exchange is Parliament, not the street. The 'rose on Diwali' jibe added a cultural edge to what is fast becoming a defining BJP counter-narrative against Gandhi's public-engagement strategy.
Key Takeaways
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on 4 November dismissed Rahul Gandhi's call for a public debate with PM Narendra Modi , insisting it should happen in Parliament .
Sarma mocked Gandhi for holding a rose while extending Diwali greetings to Modi, saying 'Roses are associated with Valentine's Day, not Diwali.' Sarma argued Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha , should participate in parliamentary sessions without disruptions.
The Chief Minister accused the Congress of raising EVM concerns selectively — only when the BJP wins elections.
The remarks come ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament , with both parties set to continue clashing over accountability and debate format.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday, 4 November launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, dismissing his call for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and insisting that any such exchange belonged in Parliament, not on the streets. Sarma's remarks, made in Guwahati, also took aim at Gandhi's decision to hold a rose while extending Diwali greetings to the Prime Minister — a gesture the Chief Minister found culturally misplaced.
The 'Rose' Remark
'Roses are associated with Valentine's Day, not Diwali,' Sarma said, taking a pointed dig at Gandhi and questioning what he called the Congress leader's unfamiliarity with Indian traditions and cultural customs. Sarma was referring to a recent video posted by Gandhi in which the Congress leader extended Diwali wishes to Modi while holding a rose.
The Parliamentary Debate Argument
Sarma, zeroing in on Gandhi's status as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, argued that the institutional forum for a debate between the opposition leader and the Prime Minister was Parliament — not public rallies or social media. 'If Rahul Gandhi considers himself the Leader of the Opposition, where should his debate with the Prime Minister take place? On the streets or in Parliament?' Sarma asked. He added that Parliament provides adequate space to discuss issues ranging from India-US relations to domestic policy matters that Gandhi has raised. Sarma also urged Gandhi to participate in parliamentary sessions without causing disruptions, noting that ministers including the Union Home Minister could respond, and the Prime Minister could intervene when necessary.
EVM Allegations and 'Selective' Approach
The Assam Chief Minister also broadened his attack, accusing the Congress of adopting a selective approach to electoral outcomes. He alleged that the party questions election results and raises concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) only when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins, but accepts results without objection when it emerges victorious itself. Sarma urged Gandhi to 'come out of this mindset' and focus on substantive political engagement.
The Political Context
The exchange reflects an escalating war of words between the BJP and the Congress as the two parties spar over the terms of political accountability. Gandhi's call for a direct debate with Modi has drawn consistent pushback from BJP leaders, who frame it as an attempt to bypass institutional processes. This comes amid a broader pattern of BJP state leaders amplifying criticism of Gandhi on issues of parliamentary conduct — a strategy that has intensified since the Congress made gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Gandhi assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition for the first time.
What Happens Next
Sarma's remarks are unlikely to close the debate; Gandhi's camp has consistently maintained that a public, nationally televised exchange would bring greater transparency to governance. The Congress is expected to respond, and with the Winter Session of Parliament approaching, the question of how — and where — the two sides engage on key national issues will remain a live political flashpoint.
Point of View
BJP deflects Gandhi's challenge while simultaneously casting him as someone who avoids Parliament — a charge the Congress would strongly contest. The 'rose on Diwali' mockery is designed to frame Gandhi as culturally out of step, a line of attack the BJP has deployed repeatedly to limited but consistent effect. What mainstream coverage underplays is that Gandhi's call for a public debate is itself a response to a perception that parliamentary proceedings are routinely disrupted, making them an imperfect forum for accountability. The deeper question — whether institutional debate channels in India are functioning adequately — goes unanswered on both sides.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Himanta Biswa Sarma criticise Rahul Gandhi on 4 November?
Sarma criticised Rahul Gandhi for calling for a public debate with PM Modi instead of raising issues in Parliament. He argued that Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has the institutional platform to debate the Prime Minister and ministers directly in Parliament.
What was the 'rose' controversy Sarma referred to?
Sarma was referring to a video posted by Rahul Gandhi in which Gandhi held a rose while extending Diwali greetings to PM Modi. Sarma mocked the gesture, saying roses are associated with Valentine's Day and not Diwali, questioning Gandhi's understanding of Indian cultural traditions.
What did Sarma say about EVMs and elections?
Sarma accused the Congress of selectively raising concerns about Electronic Voting Machines only when the BJP wins elections, while accepting results without objection when the Congress wins. He urged Gandhi to move past this approach and engage in substantive political debate.
What is Rahul Gandhi's position in Parliament?
Rahul Gandhi currently serves as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, a role he assumed after the Congress-led INDIA bloc made significant gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. It is the first time Gandhi has held the formal Leader of the Opposition title.
What is the broader context of this exchange?
The BJP and Congress have been locked in an ongoing dispute over how political accountability should work, with Gandhi repeatedly calling for a direct, public debate with PM Modi. BJP leaders, including multiple chief ministers, have consistently reframed this as an attempt to bypass parliamentary processes.
