Government Agrees to NEET Discussion, Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Backtracking

The government today said it is ready to hold discussions in Parliament on NEET and related issues. Talking to media in New Delhi this evening, Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi of deviating from his earlier demand of having the discussion over NEET related issues despite government assurance. Earlier today, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with other party members staged a protest demanding discussion on the NEET issue. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan met the Congress leaders at the protest site at Lok Kalyan Marg. Mr Gandhi told them that if the government agreed to a discussion in Parliament on NEET and related issues, he would immediately end the protest. After meeting the Congress leaders, Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the government accepted the demand of holding discussion over the matter. However, the Union Minister said that when the government’s stand was conveyed to the Congress leader, Mr Gandhi backtracked from his earlier stance and added more demands. Mr Jitendra Singh termed it unfortunate that a senior leader like Rahul Gandhi backtracked from his word so quickly, saying it does not befit him. The Minister also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it very clear today that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the NEET paper leak case and action is being taken on those found involved in the matter.