New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday officially agreed to participate in a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Lok Sabha elections.

The invitation for this debate was given by former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur, former High Court Chief Justice AP Shah, and senior journalist N Ram, media reported.

The trio sent a letter inviting both PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi to engage in a public debate on the significant issues surrounding the 2024 elections.

The letter outlined the allegations and counter allegations hurled by each side and said "We believe that citizens would hugely benefit by hearing directly from our political leaders through a public debate on a non-partisan and non-commercial platform."

Next day, Rahul Gandhi responded to the debate invitation by expressing his acceptance and stating that either he or Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge would be happy to participate in the debate.

“I have discussed your invitation with the Congress President, Mallikarjun Kharge. We agree that such a debate will help people understand our respective vision and enable them to make an informed choice. It is also critical to put to rest any unsubstantiated allegations attributed to our respective parties.”

“As the principal parties fighting the election, the public deserved to hear from their leaders directly. Accordingly, either myself or the Congress President would be pleased to participate in such a debate,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi said the details and format of the debate can be discussed “if and when the Prime Minister agrees to participate.”