Kolkata, Aug. 12 -- West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday hit out at Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, questioning his absence from Jharkhand amid the ongoing political and student-related developments in the state.

Ghosh said Gandhi should come forward, directly engage with the situation and participate in a debate instead of making remarks from the sidelines.

"Rahul Gandhi never faces issues or steps up; he lacks the courage. If he had the courage, why doesn't he come to Jharkhand? He never confronts the situation directly," Ghosh said.

The West Bengal minister accused Gandhi of trying to provoke people through statements while avoiding direct confrontation when an opportunity arises. He said that as the Lea...