New Delhi, 24 July (H.S.): The fifth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed continued disruptions on Friday as the Opposition intensified its demand for a discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak issue and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha faced repeated adjournments as Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding accountability over the examination controversy. The Houses have struggled to conduct regular business since the beginning of the session on July 20 due to protests over the issue.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to the Opposition, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, to allow the House proceedings to continue. He said the government was ready for a discussion on the NEET paper leak matter but accused the Opposition of creating disruptions and preventing the debate from taking place.

Rijiju said the government also wanted to present its position on the issue and urged MPs to maintain parliamentary decorum.

The protests intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a late-night video message on Thursday, announced that the government would discuss measures against examination paper leaks in the Cabinet meeting and introduce a new Bill in Parliament aimed at strengthening action against those involved.

In the Lok Sabha, Opposition members continued raising slogans demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, even as the House proceeded with listed business.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm shortly after it resumed proceedings, following continued sloganeering by Opposition MPs over the demand for Pradhan’s resignation.

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said Prime Minister Modi should make a statement on the issue inside Parliament rather than through a late-night video message. He said the Prime Minister’s remarks would carry greater significance if delivered directly before lawmakers.

Kharge also demanded that the Education Minister be removed before any discussion on reforms in the education system takes place. He accused the government of failing to address students’ concerns and demanded an apology from the Centre over the handling of protests.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to maintain the dignity of the House and allow Question Hour and parliamentary proceedings to continue.

According to the revised agenda, the Lok Sabha was scheduled to discuss and consider the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, along with the presentation of important reports by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The ongoing deadlock highlights the political battle over the NEET paper leak controversy, with the Opposition pressing for accountability and the government insisting on legislative and legal measures to address examination irregularities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar