Parliament – Monsoon Session Stays Gridlocked as NEET Row Triggers Fresh Deadlock
Parliament –The Monsoon Session of Parliament remained locked in a political impasse for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday as repeated protests over the NEET paper leak controversy prevented normal business in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. With the government and the Opposition refusing to shift from their respective positions, both Houses were adjourned until Friday without making legislative progress.
Opposition and Government Remain Firm on Their Positions
The deadlock continued as Opposition parties insisted that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should step down before any discussion on the NEET paper leak issue could take place. The government, however, maintained that it was fully prepared to begin a debate immediately and argued that no preconditions should be attached to parliamentary discussions.
Even before Parliament convened, members of the ruling alliance and the Opposition gathered outside the Parliament complex, staging separate demonstrations and exchanging slogans. The protests reflected the widening political divide and hinted at another day of disruptions inside both Houses.
Repeated Interruptions in the Lok Sabha
Proceedings in the Lok Sabha were interrupted several times as Opposition members raised slogans and displayed placards demanding the Education Minister’s resignation. The continued protests prevented the House from conducting its scheduled business smoothly.
During Question Hour, Speaker Om Birla appealed to lawmakers to allow parliamentary proceedings to continue. He stressed the importance of Question Hour and assured members that discussions on every issue, including the NEET controversy, could take place afterward. Birla also said he would coordinate with the government, which had already expressed its willingness to hold a debate, and urged all parties to participate constructively.
Later in the day, senior Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, met the Speaker to press for an immediate discussion on the examination controversy. Trinamool Congress MPs Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra also joined the meeting.
Government Invites Extended Discussion
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Opposition parties of placing unnecessary conditions before agreeing to a debate. According to him, the government wanted a comprehensive discussion and was prepared to present its own position on the issue.
Rijiju stated that Opposition members would be given as much time as required to express their views, adding that the debate could continue for two days if necessary. He also said the government had already reached out to the Congress and other Opposition parties, offering flexibility in deciding both the timing and duration of the discussion in Parliament.
Rajya Sabha Also Witnesses Stalemate
The Rajya Sabha experienced similar disruptions throughout the day, with repeated adjournments before the House was eventually suspended until Friday.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan remained a prerequisite for any debate on the NEET issue. He also alleged that several students had been injured and hospitalised following police action during protests, claiming that many families were deeply concerned about the situation.
Responding on behalf of the government, Leader of the House JP Nadda accused Opposition parties of preventing Parliament from functioning despite repeated assurances that the government was ready to discuss the NEET paper leak along with other important matters.
Deputy Chairman Harivansh also urged members to cooperate and allow legislative business to continue, noting that Parliament should at least take up pending bills after four days of disruption. His appeal, however, failed to restore order as Opposition protests continued, forcing another adjournment.
Legislative Business Remains on Hold
With neither side showing signs of compromise, the Monsoon Session has now witnessed four consecutive days of limited productivity. The continuing disagreement over the conditions for debating the NEET paper leak has delayed legislative work and prolonged the parliamentary stand-off, leaving several scheduled matters pending until the Houses reconvene on Friday.