New Delhi, July 21: Union Minister Jitendra Singh criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for changing his demands during a recent protest. He described Gandhi’s actions as unfortunate and contrary to democratic principles.
This statement came as Gandhi raised concerns about the Delhi police‘s use of force during a protest organized by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP).
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi led a demonstration with Congress MPs outside the Prime Minister’s residence. Jitendra Singh attempted to meet with him, but their discussions did not yield any resolution. Following their meeting, Singh shared details on his social media platform, X.
He noted that it was recently discovered that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, including Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, had unexpectedly staged a sit-in near Akbar Road with their supporters. To maintain the dignity of the senior party, Singh and Home Secretary Govind Mohan were dispatched to negotiate with the leaders. They requested Gandhi to end the protest, as the location was not suitable and was causing public inconvenience.
Gandhi responded by demanding that the government agree to discuss all issues related to the NEET and associated movements in Parliament before he would end the protest. Shortly after, the government leadership assured him that they would be willing to discuss these matters.
However, when this information was relayed to Gandhi, he insisted that he would not settle for that alone. He also demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, stating, “Now I have two demands: a discussion in Parliament and the resignation of the Education Minister.” When reminded that he initially only requested a discussion, he replied that his demands had changed.
Despite attempts to explain that it was unbecoming for a senior leader like him to shift his stance so quickly, Gandhi maintained that it was his prerogative. When the Home Secretary suggested that the location was unsuitable for a protest, Gandhi’s response was that it was also his choice where to sit.
Jitendra Singh remarked that it is unfortunate for a senior leader and opposition leader like Rahul Gandhi to go back on his word, which contradicts democratic values. He reiterated that the government is prepared to discuss all issues related to NEET and associated movements in Parliament. In contrast, he noted that the Congress party has yet to formally notify any discussions on this serious topic. Gandhi’s behavior, Singh concluded, does not align with the principles of democracy.
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