Amidst the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, two former judges and a veteran journalist have extended invitations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a public debate on the ongoing polls.
In their invitation, Former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur, former High Court Chief Justice AP Shah, and veteran journalist N Ram have requested the Prime Minister and the senior leader of the main opposition party to engage in a debate on the key issues of this election.
“As members of the public, we are concerned that we have only heard allegations and challenges from either side, and not meaningful responses…,” the letter reads.
Stressing that citizens deserve awareness of the key issues in today’s era of “misinformation, misinterpretation, and manipulation”, the invitation highlighted the importance of the public being educated about all aspects of the debate.
“…So that they can make an informed choice at the ballot – this is central to the effective exercise of our electoral franchise,” it further adds.
The invitation also proposes that the venue, duration, moderators, and format of the debate could be agreed upon by both the parties.
“We trust you will consider our request positively. We also suggest, and only if either of you is unavailable to address this debate, you may nominate a representative to debate,” the letter concludes.
