Union Minister Accuses Rahul Gandhi Of ‘Changing Goalposts’ During Standoff Outside PM Residence  

New Delhi: Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh has accused Rahul Gandhi of backtracking on a commitment made during Tuesday's standoff outside the PM's residence. Singh was sent by the government to speak with the protesting Congress leaders at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. After the talks broke down he took to X to lay out his version of what happened.

What did Singh claim?

Singh said that Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior Congress leaders were sitting on a dharna near Akbar Road. The government sent him and Home Secretary Govind Mohan to engage with them. He said he asked the leaders to end the protest because the location was not designated for demonstrations and was causing inconvenience to ordinary citizens.

According to Singh, Rahul Gandhi told him that if the government was willing to allow a parliamentary discussion on NEET and all related issues, he would call off the dharna. Singh said he sought approval from the government's top leadership and came back with an assurance that the government was ready for a full discussion on NEET in Parliament. At that point, he claims, Rahul Gandhi changed his position and added a new demand.

What was the new demand?

After receiving the assurance on Parliament discussion, Rahul Gandhi reportedly demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Singh said Rahul told him he now had two demands. When Singh reminded him that he had initially only asked for a debate in Parliament, Rahul reportedly said his demands had changed. Singh called this unacceptable and said a senior leader of Rahul Gandhi's stature going back on his word was unfortunate and not in keeping with democratic norms.

What else did Singh say?

Singh reiterated that the government remains ready to discuss NEET and all connected issues in Parliament. He also pointed out that Congress has not yet filed any formal notice under parliamentary rules seeking such a discussion, which he said raises questions about the party's intentions. Singh said Rahul Gandhi's conduct was not in line with democratic principles.

Congress has not responded to these allegations so far. Meanwhile police removed all the protesting Congress leaders from outside the PM's residence. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were all detained and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium.