NEET Paper Leak – Parliament Witnesses Fresh Deadlock as Opposition Intensifies Protest
NEET Paper Leak –Both Houses of Parliament witnessed another day of disruption on Wednesday as Opposition parties continued their protest over the NEET paper leak and police action against demonstrators who participated in Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march. Despite repeated assurances from the Centre that it was prepared for a comprehensive discussion on the issue, continuous protests prevented normal legislative business from moving forward.
Government Reaffirms Readiness for Detailed Discussion
In the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government had consistently expressed its willingness to hold an extensive debate on the NEET paper leak. He stated that the Speaker would determine the appropriate parliamentary rule, along with the date and duration of the discussion, after consulting leaders of various political parties.
Rijiju said the government wanted a meaningful debate so that the public could be informed about the measures already taken in response to the controversy. He also argued that concerns affecting students and young people should be addressed through parliamentary discussions rather than public demonstrations, adding that legislative debate remains the proper platform for resolving such issues.
Opposition Presses for Minister’s Resignation
The Opposition maintained that the issue deserved immediate attention and called for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal said the concerns of students across the country should take precedence over all other parliamentary business.
According to Venugopal, Parliament should focus on addressing the anxieties of students and their families before proceeding with routine legislative work. The Opposition maintained that accountability should accompany any formal discussion on the matter.
Speaker Appeals for Constructive Participation
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said he had listened to the views presented by both the Treasury and Opposition benches. Referring to the government’s readiness to discuss the matter, he urged all parties to participate in a detailed debate instead of allowing repeated interruptions to stall proceedings.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav defended the Opposition’s decision to protest, saying public demonstrations become necessary when the interests of students and young citizens are affected. Amid continued slogan shouting by Opposition members, the Lok Sabha was eventually adjourned for the remainder of the day.
Several Members of Parliament from the Congress and Samajwadi Party attended the House wearing black attire as a mark of protest against both the NEET paper leak and the police action taken against demonstrators at Jantar Mantar and other locations.
Similar Standoff Continues in Rajya Sabha
The deadlock extended to the Rajya Sabha, where Kiren Rijiju repeated that the government was prepared to discuss all major issues, including the NEET paper leak. He said the decision regarding the parliamentary rule under which the debate would be conducted rested with the Chairman.
The minister also alleged that repeated disruptions by Opposition members were preventing the government from presenting details of the actions already taken in connection with the examination controversy.
Leader of the House J.P. Nadda criticised the Opposition’s conduct, saying its repeated interruptions were affecting the functioning and dignity of Parliament. He reiterated that the government had never refused a discussion on the NEET issue and remained willing to debate every related concern.
Debate Procedure Becomes Another Point of Disagreement
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge insisted that the discussion should take place under Rule 267. He also repeated the Opposition’s demand that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any debate begins.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh observed that Rule 267 has historically been invoked only in exceptional situations over the past several decades. As disagreements over the procedure continued and protests persisted inside the House, the Rajya Sabha was also adjourned for the day without conducting substantive business.