Amarinder, Kejriwal trade barbs over debate on Twitter (Lead, Changing dateline)

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh were locked in a war of words on Monday on social media platform Twitter over holding an open political debate on Punjab.

After Amarinder Singh accepted a challenge from Kejriwal for a debate, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener seemed to have second thoughts about it.

"Now that you've shot your mouth, don't scoot like you typically do! Show courage & come for an open debate. Choose the time, place & platform," Amarinder tweeted, accepting Kejriwal's challenge.

Kejriwal responded, saying: "I accept ur challenge sir. I suggest 4 names- H S Phoolka, Jarnail Singh, Bhagwant or Gurpreet. Speaker, date, time, place of ur choice."

Amarinder shot back: "Punjabis believe in leading from the front, not hiding behind others. Or have you already accepted that you can't face me for a public debate?"

Kejriwal again tweeted: "I am not hiding behind anyone sir. I am ready for a debate with Rahul ji or Sonia ji anytime. Our Punjab team will debate wid u."

"So you've chickened out! You're the 'Aam Aadmi' who levels allegations on everyone bt wud like to engage only with PM & Presidents of parties!" Amarinder responded.

The Congress and AAP are in the midst of a bitter political contest to challenge Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alliance. The alliance has been in power in Punjab since 2007.

Kejriwal had earlier accused the Congress leader of using drugs money in the Punjab poll campaign.

"Sir, ppl talking in Punjab that u using (Bikram Singh) Majithia's drug money in ur campaign. Is it true? U had saved him from CBI enquiry 3 yrs back (sic)," Kejriwal had tweeted.

While saying that Kejriwal was hallucinating, Amarinder said: "When your hopes crash from 100 to 30 (seats) & still sliding, you're bound to hallucinate & see things that don't exist."

The AAP has been alleging a nexus of the Akali Dal with the Congress after Amarinder Singh was recently let off in a corruption case in Amritsar.

--IANS

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