Rahul Gandhi Dismisses Jitendra Singh’s ‘Backtracking’ Charge, Calls Him ‘Irrelevant’

NEW DELHI, Jul 22: Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday strongly dismissed Union Minister Jitendra Singh’s allegation that he had “backtracked” from his earlier demand for a debate on the NEET issue, calling the BJP leader “irrelevant” and reiterating that the Congress stands firmly with protesting students.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Gandhi shifted the focus to what he described as the government’s failure to safeguard the country’s education system. He accused the Centre of undermining educational institutions and asserted that the concerns raised by students across the country deserve immediate attention.

The Congress MP said the opposition’s position remains unchanged and revolves around the demands raised by students. According to Gandhi, the foremost demand is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, followed by strict action against those responsible for allegedly assaulting protesting students. He also insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should publicly apologise to students over the handling of the controversy.

Responding to questions about Jitendra Singh’s criticism, Gandhi refused to engage directly with the minister’s remarks, stating that Singh had no meaningful role in the ongoing debate. He remarked that the minister was free to express any opinion but maintained that the real issue concerns students’ rights and accountability within the education system.

“The discussion is not about personalities but about the future of students,” Gandhi indicated, stressing that the Congress would continue to support their movement until their concerns are addressed.

The exchange follows dramatic scenes witnessed a day earlier when Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav staged a sit-in protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, demanding action over the NEET controversy and seeking the resignation of the education minister.

The demonstration, held in a high-security zone, prompted authorities to intervene. The government deputed Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to hold discussions with the opposition leaders in an attempt to persuade them to vacate the area.

Sources said the discussions lasted only a few minutes and failed to produce any agreement. Soon after the talks ended without a breakthrough, Delhi Police removed Rahul Gandhi and several opposition leaders from the protest site. Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium in Model Town following his detention before being released later in the evening.

The confrontation has intensified political tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the issue instead of focusing on students’ concerns.

Earlier, Jitendra Singh had criticised Rahul Gandhi’s conduct during the protest, alleging that the Leader of the Opposition had altered his stand after initially seeking a debate. According to the minister, Gandhi later insisted that the discussion could proceed only if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.

Singh also maintained that the government has consistently expressed its willingness to hold a detailed discussion on all matters related to the NEET controversy in Parliament. He argued that the Congress had not submitted any formal notice under parliamentary rules seeking such a debate.

The Union minister further described Rahul Gandhi’s approach as inconsistent with democratic conventions, saying it was unfortunate for a Leader of the Opposition to allegedly change his position during negotiations.

The Congress, however, rejected the allegation and maintained that its demands have remained consistent from the outset. Party leaders insisted that accountability within the education ministry and justice for students are essential before any meaningful resolution can be achieved.

The political confrontation comes amid continuing protests by students and opposition parties over alleged irregularities in the examination process, with demands for greater transparency, institutional accountability and reforms in the country’s education system continuing to dominate the national political discourse.