"You people say I don't know how to speak. Now let me show you how I speak." With these remarks, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi disarmed journalists at a media interaction in Lucknow when they tried to get answers from him but were zealously guarded by party general secretary Digvijay Singh and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Rita Bahuguna.

Even as Rahul appeared to be prepared for the offensive from journalists, Singh reminded them that this was essentially a press conference called by the UPCC chief who said she would be answering questions on state Congress.

Singh came to Rahul's rescue on the issue of media reports last week that the young MP had questioned the relevance of khadi and abstinence as a pre-requisite for entering the Congress.

Journalists showed their irritation at the two leaders answering questions being put to Rahul, who then interjected to say, "I will answer all your questions."

After a few answers, Singh abruptly put an end to the press conference, saying they were running late. "I want to apologise to you because I delayed you," Rahul told reporters as he left the venue.