Union Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh has alleged that Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi changed his stance during discussions over the Congress protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. According to Singh, the government agreed to Gandhi’s initial demand within minutes, but he later introduced an additional condition before agreeing to end the protest.
Rahul Gandhi has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
Government Says It Agreed to Parliament Discussion
In a post on X, Jitendra Singh said he, along with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, was deputed by the government to speak with the Congress delegation, which included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and other senior leaders.
According to Singh, the delegation was staging a sit-in protest near Akbar Road. He said the government requested the leaders to end the demonstration, arguing that the location was not designated for protests and was causing inconvenience to the public.
Singh claimed that during the conversation, Rahul Gandhi stated that if the government agreed to hold a discussion in Parliament on the NEET issue and the related protests, he would immediately withdraw the sit-in.
The minister said the proposal was promptly conveyed to the government’s senior leadership and approval was obtained within minutes. He added that Rahul Gandhi was informed that the Centre had accepted his request and was prepared to discuss all matters related to NEET and the ongoing agitation in Parliament.
Centre Claims Rahul Gandhi Added a New Condition
Jitendra Singh further alleged that after receiving the government’s assurance, Rahul Gandhi introduced another demand.
According to the minister, Gandhi said that besides a parliamentary discussion, the government must also ensure the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Singh claimed Gandhi stated that both conditions now needed to be fulfilled.
The minister said he reminded Gandhi that his original request was limited to a discussion in Parliament, but alleged that Gandhi replied that he had changed his demands.
Jitendra Singh Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Backtracking
The Union minister criticised Rahul Gandhi’s alleged change in position, saying it was disappointing for a senior political leader to withdraw from an earlier commitment.
Singh also claimed that when officials pointed out that the protest site was not appropriate for a demonstration, Rahul Gandhi maintained that it was his right to protest wherever he chose.
Calling the development “unfortunate,” Singh said the government remained willing to discuss all issues related to the NEET controversy and the associated protests in Parliament.
Government Questions Congress’ Parliamentary Approach
Jitendra Singh also alleged that despite demanding a debate, the Congress party had not submitted any formal notice seeking a discussion under parliamentary procedures.
According to the minister, the Centre continues to remain open to debating the NEET issue inside Parliament, while accusing the opposition of not following established legislative processes.
The Congress party has not officially responded to Jitendra Singh’s claims at the time of writing.