Tehelka -- BJP dares Sonia for one-to-one debate on TV

Tehelka -- BJP dares Sonia for one-to-one debate on TV
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, MARCH 21: The BJP today challenged Congress president Sonia Gandhi for a "one-to-one" debate on Doordarshan instead of her demanding an exclusive slot to address the nation after stalling parliamentary proceedings over the Tehelka expose.

"It is ironical that she (Sonia) has raised such a demand but she is not prepared for a debate in the House. However, if she wants to come on TV with any panel, she is welcome. We are even ready for a one-to-one debate," party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra told reporters here.

He said Prasar Bharati is an autonomous body and takes its decision on such matters based on "newsworthiness".

"We also have a complaint against Doordarshan and other channels who invite one representative from the ruling NDA and three members from the Opposition in all debates," he said.

Defending former defence minister George Fernandes' address on Doordarshan which had come in for criticism from Sonia, he said "it is every minister's right to explain his resignation in Parliament but as he was not allowed to do so, he had to throw light on the issue before the people."

"If they want a debate, let them do so in Parliament and this could be telecast live," the spokesman said.

Sonia had on Tuesday written a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee criticising "misuse" of DD by Fernandes and demanding similar opportunities for her party to express its views on the Tehelka expose.