NEET Paper Leak – Opposition and Government Clash in Lok Sabha Over Debate Demand
NEET Paper Leak – Heated exchanges dominated the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Opposition parties intensified their demand for a discussion on the alleged NEET question paper leak and raised objections to the police action against protesters in Delhi. The Opposition also reiterated its call for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down, arguing that accountability was necessary in light of the controversy. The disagreement led to repeated disruptions in the House before proceedings were eventually adjourned.
Opposition presses for minister’s resignation
Opening the debate on the issue, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal urged the government to accept an adjournment motion so that Parliament could hold a dedicated discussion on the alleged examination irregularities. He maintained that the Opposition’s position remained unchanged, insisting that the Education Minister should resign over the matter. According to Venugopal, a formal debate in the House would allow members to address concerns surrounding the integrity of the examination system and its impact on students across the country.
Government agrees to discussion within parliamentary rules
Replying on behalf of the government, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre had no objection to discussing the alleged NEET paper leak. However, he emphasised that any debate must follow established parliamentary procedures. Rijiju explained that the Speaker, after consulting floor leaders of various political parties, would decide the rule under which the discussion would take place as well as its duration. He added that the government wanted a constructive debate because the issue concerned the future of India’s youth and deserved serious consideration.
Akhilesh Yadav calls it a national issue
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also intervened during the proceedings, arguing that the controversy should not be viewed through a political lens. He said the issue affected students and young people nationwide, making it important for every political party to have an opportunity to express its views in Parliament.
Yadav questioned why only a limited number of members were permitted to speak while others were denied the chance to participate. He said that allowing broader participation would have reflected the significance of the matter and ensured that concerns raised by students received adequate attention in the House.
Allegations over handling of protests
The Samajwadi Party leader also criticised the government’s response to demonstrations held over the examination controversy. Referring to reports from the protests, he alleged that students faced excessive use of force during police action. He claimed that several protesters suffered injuries and questioned whether such treatment was appropriate for young people raising concerns about their future.
Yadav further stated that the Opposition’s protest near the Prime Minister’s residence was a result of not being given sufficient opportunity to raise the issue inside Parliament. He argued that if a full discussion had been permitted in the Lok Sabha, there would have been no need for demonstrations outside. He also called on the Prime Minister to address the matter directly in the House.
Speaker appeals for normal functioning
As protests continued inside the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to maintain order and participate in the proposed discussion rather than continuing demonstrations. He reminded the Opposition that the government had already expressed its willingness to debate the alleged NEET paper leak and encouraged all parties to use parliamentary procedures to present their views.
Despite the Speaker’s repeated appeals, Opposition members continued raising slogans and protesting in the House. With the deadlock unresolved and normal proceedings becoming difficult to continue, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha until 2 p.m., leaving the issue to be taken up later under the parliamentary process.