During an Instagram 'Ask Me' session, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that evidence supporting his accusations against Modi was stored on his phone, which he claimed was being tapped by the Prime Minister, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

Gandhi said he wanted a direct exchange rather than lengthy speeches and insisted that Modi should face him in a public debate.

'I want a one-on-one debate'

Responding to a question about the BJP's suggestion that debates should take place in Parliament, Gandhi claimed that he had repeatedly been denied opportunities to speak in the House.

"You did not let me talk on the farm bills, vote chori, SIR, China, on (Gen) Naravane's book, Epstein. I want a one-on-one debate. I don't want a debate entailing long speeches," he said.

Explaining his proposed format, Gandhi said Modi could make allegations against him, while he would respond with his own accusations.

He even said he would have no objection if industrialist Gautam Adani or RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat were appointed as the judge for the debate.

"But I guarantee that the Prime Minister will not remain the PM after a one-on-one debate with me," Gandhi said.

Claims evidence is stored on his phone

Gandhi also alleged that his phone contained evidence supporting his accusations against the Prime Minister and claimed that the device was being tapped by Modi.

He said the proposed debate would establish who was allegedly being controlled by foreign powers and who was an "anti-national".

In a video shared on X, Gandhi reiterated his challenge, saying, "The Prime Minister's political career will be over if he comes and debates with me; he knows that and I know that."

He also claimed that Modi had become more cautious in his remarks about him, suggesting that the Prime Minister was under pressure. These assertions were made by Gandhi and have not been independently established.

'Bring a teleprompter to the debate'

In another post in Hindi, Gandhi took a swipe at Modi over his reported use of a teleprompter during a Diwali gathering organised by media personalities.

"Modi ji, even at your own godi media's Diwali gathering, you used a teleprompter? The people are yours, the stage is yours, the whole environment is yours, yet you still need a script," Gandhi wrote.

He added that Modi could bring a teleprompter to their proposed debate and choose a judge of his preference.

"Just show up, that's all. The country wants to know — who is the real traitor?" Gandhi said.

BJP says Parliament is the place for debate

The BJP has repeatedly rejected Gandhi's demand, accusing him of avoiding debates in Parliament.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has maintained that Parliament already provides a platform for political debate and urged Gandhi to demonstrate "some seriousness and responsibility" in his role as the Leader of the Opposition.

Gandhi, however, has continued to press for a direct public confrontation with Modi, keeping the political exchange over a proposed debate alive.