New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): Proceedings in both Houses of Parliament were disrupted on Thursday as the government and opposition remained locked in a standoff over the NEET paper leak controversy and allegations of police action against protesting students.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until noon shortly after the start of proceedings amid repeated protests by opposition members. The opposition continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the government maintained that it was ready for an immediate discussion on the NEET issue without any preconditions.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha that the government was prepared to hold a debate on the NEET paper leak matter in both Houses. He accused the Congress of attaching conditions to the discussion and said such demands were preventing a constructive debate.
Rijiju urged opposition parties to allow Parliament to function and discuss the issue without turning it into a political confrontation. He said the government was ready to begin discussions on the matter immediately and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement regarding the establishment of fast-track courts for cases related to examination paper leaks.
Responding to Rijiju’s remarks, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated the opposition’s demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He criticised the government’s response to the controversy and said accountability was necessary in matters affecting the future of students.
The Parliament has remained disrupted since the beginning of the Monsoon Session on July 20, with repeated adjournments preventing regular legislative business.
Earlier in the day, opposition MPs, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, held a meeting to discuss their strategy for the session. Opposition parties also submitted adjournment notices in both Houses seeking a discussion on examination irregularities, alleged paper leaks and police action against student protesters.
Congress MPs called for suspension of regular parliamentary business to debate the concerns surrounding the education system and the recent developments related to student demonstrations.
Outside Parliament, MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest at Makar Dwar, demanding action against those responsible for examination irregularities and seeking the removal of the Education Minister. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also joined the demonstration.
Meanwhile, NDA MPs held a counter-protest over remarks made by a suspended opposition member, adding to the political tension on the Parliament premises.
The government has maintained that strict action will be taken against those involved in paper leak cases, while the opposition has insisted on a detailed discussion and accountability from those responsible for the crisis.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
