New Delhi, 22 July (H.S.):

The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2:00 pm on Wednesday after repeated disruptions by opposition members demanding an immediate discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The House had earlier been adjourned till noon following persistent sloganeering. When proceedings resumed, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the government was fully prepared to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET issue, but said the debate must take place in accordance with parliamentary rules.

Addressing the House, Rijiju said the government had been expressing its willingness to discuss the matter since the first day of the Monsoon Session. He stated that the government supported a comprehensive debate and stressed that the rule under which the discussion would be held, its duration and the date should be decided after consultations between the Speaker and the floor leaders of all political parties.

He said the government wanted a constructive discussion focused on safeguarding the future of the country's youth rather than allowing repeated disruptions in the House.

However, opposition members continued raising slogans and insisted that the discussion be accompanied by the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal maintained that the minister should accept moral responsibility and sought an immediate debate on the issue.

Unable to restore order amid the continuing protests, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha until 2:00 pm.

Outside Parliament, opposition MPs, including leaders from the Congress and other parties, continued their protest wearing black attire, alleging police excesses against students and lawmakers during recent demonstrations. They also renewed their demand for greater transparency in public examinations and accountability over the handling of student protests.

The government has maintained that it is prepared for an extensive discussion on the NEET controversy and has urged all parties to participate in a structured debate under the established rules of Parliament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar