New Delhi, July 23 -- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday strongly refuted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's allegation that the Opposition was "fleeing" from a discussion on exam paper leaks, stating that if the government had truly wanted a debate, it would have allowed one when the Opposition first demanded it.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge also launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his intentions on the issue and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"If they were ready for a discussion, it would have started on the first day we demanded it. Why were they not ready? Later, you lathi-charged the students... We are Members of Parliament, but the people from t...