New Delhi, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh on Wednesday took a dig at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the Congress protest near the Prime Minister’s residence, alleging that the demonstration reflected frustration over an “unfulfilled desire” to occupy the official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.
Singh made the remarks during a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which was later passed by the House.
Referring to the Congress sit-in held on July 21 near the Prime Minister’s residence, Singh said Rahul Gandhi’s decision to protest there was linked to his long-standing political ambition of becoming Prime Minister.
“On July 21, the Leader of the Opposition went to stage a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s residence, at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. I don’t know what he was thinking at that time… after thinking over it, I realised that maybe, since he had been longing for so many years that the country will choose him as the Prime Minister and accordingly, he will get to be at 7, LKM,” Singh said.
He further alleged that the protest was a result of disappointment over that aspiration not being fulfilled. Singh also criticised the manner in which the protesters were removed from the area, claiming that they left after police intervention.
Targeting the Congress, the Union minister also commented on the party’s participation in the protest, alleging that it initially stayed away but joined later after the demonstration gained attention.
During his speech, Singh also responded to Opposition criticism over the government’s handling of paper leak cases. Addressing Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s remarks on alleged atrocities against students, he said authorities had exercised restraint and referred to past incidents in Assam during Congress rule.
Singh also questioned figures cited by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding paper leak incidents, saying the numbers mentioned by her lacked verification. He added that 52 FIRs had been registered in the two years since the implementation of the anti-paper leak law.
The minister also said that the chargesheet in the NEET paper leak case had been filed and that proceedings under the new law had begun, with the trial expected to conclude within five months.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by the Lok Sabha amid discussions on measures to curb examination-related malpractices.
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