Smriti dares Rahul to debate in a war of words

A war of words broke out on Friday between Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and union HRD Minister Smriti Irani on Twitter over IIT-Madras's censure of a students' group for criticising the Narendra Modi government.

Smriti Irani has challenged Congress vice president Rahul Ganhi for a debate on governance (Photo: IANS)

Within minutes of Rahul Gandhi condemning the move to censure the IIT students' group on the micro-blogging site Twitter, Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Irani threw an open challenge to him. "Next time fight ur battles ur self don't hide behind NSUI. N by d way I'm returning to Amethi soon. See you there," Irani tweeted.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi's office tweeted: "Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate."

In another tweet, Rahul Gandhi said: "IIT student group banned for criticizing Modi Government. What next?"

Irani hit back with a series of tweets. "Give me a time n place n I'm ready to debate everything re governance including education," she said.

"Tell ur men strong arm tactics were tried in Amethi n didn't scare me during Lok Sabha elections. They won't scare me now," said Irani.

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) held a protest outside Irani's residence here against the IIT-Madras censure.

"Yesterday u told NSUI to create disorder where there is order. Today ur goons come to my house as I'm away at work," Irani said in another tweet.

Irani was on a day-long visit to Silchar, Assam to address party workers to mark the BJP-led government's one year in office. - IANS