New Delhi: Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped up his attack on the proposed grand alliance of Opposition parties in Lok Sabha on Thursday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi once again halted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the PM Modi over the Rafale aircraft deal. “Prime Minister gives long speeches in Parliament, but he does not have time to speak about the Rafale deal and Rs 30,000 crore that he has given to Anil Ambani,” Gandhi told reporters after coming out of a session on motion of thanks to President's address in Lok Sabha. Congress President once again repeated his statement and told reporters: “Listen to what I am saying carefully, the PM has ‘personally’ taken Rs 30,000 crore and given it to Mr Anil Ambani. Remember what I said.”

Gandhi’s statement came after PM Modi in Lok Sabha hit out at the Congress and alleged that those who imposed Emergency, ‘bullied’ the judiciary and insulted the Army were accusing him of destroying institutions. “Arrogance got them (Congress) down to 44 from 400, whereas commitment to the nation and our hard work got us (BJP) from 2 to 282,” PM Modi said.

“I want to say it on the floor of the Parliament that the Indian National Congress does not want our armed forces to be strong. They do not want our security apparatus to be strong. Which companies are they bidding for that they are acting so shamefully,” PM Modi said during his speech.

PM Modi also took a jibe at the proposed grand alliance of opposition parties and said that 'mahamilawat' not accepted to the country. “In hating Modi, the Opposition has begun to hate the nation. That is why their leaders go to London and do press conferences to show India in a bad light,” PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, Congress President had dared PM Modi for a five-minute debate with him on national security and the Rafale fighter jet deal. “Modi ji, you said you have a 56-inch chest. I challenge you to come a have a face to face debate with me. I challenge you,” Gandhi said.

“I challenge the BJP, let Narendra Modi ji debate with me on stage. He is scared. He is a darpok (coward) person. I have recognised his,” Congress President said. Gandhi said this while addressing the representatives of the party's minority cells from across the country.