Srinagar, July 21 (JKNS): Union Minister of State, for Science & Technology and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday alleged that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi changed his demands after the government agreed to a discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament, accusing him of adopting a confrontational approach instead of seeking a resolution.
MoS, Dr. Singh as per news agency JKNS said, the government deputed him along with the Union Home Secretary to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, who had staged a protest at a location causing inconvenience to the public.
He said the government’s intention was to politely persuade the Congress leadership to resolve the issue through a discussion in Parliament. According to Dr. Singh, Rahul Gandhi assured them that if the government agreed to discuss NEET and related education issues in Parliament, the protest would be immediately withdrawn.
Dr. Singh said he sought confirmation from Rahul Gandhi multiple times, following which the matter was discussed with the government’s top leadership. “We were authorised to assure them that the government has no objection and is fully prepared for a discussion on NEET and related issues in Parliament,” he said.
However, Dr. Singh alleged that after receiving the assurance, Rahul Gandhi introduced a fresh demand seeking the resignation of the Union Education Minister. “When reminded that he had agreed to end the protest if Parliament discussion was assured, he replied that his demands had changed. We told him this amounted to changing the goalpost, but he insisted it was his wish,” Dr. Singh said.
Calling the development “unfortunate,” the Union Minister said it was unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition to change his position within minutes after giving his word. He alleged that the Congress leadership appeared more interested in confrontation than finding a solution through dialogue.
Dr. Singh further said the government remains committed to discussing all issues related to NEET and the alleged paper leak in Parliament. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks, he said strict action is already being taken against those responsible for examination irregularities, with several accused having been detained.
“The issue has affected students across the country, and the government will not tolerate any injustice against them. If the opposition is still unwilling to cooperate despite the government’s readiness for discussion, the people of the country are watching,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said. (JKNS)
