New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by natural disasters in several states during June and July. Following the condolence remarks, a heated exchange took place between the ruling side and the Opposition over a proposed discussion on the NEET examination issue, leading to the adjournment of the House until 12 noon.

At the beginning of the proceedings, Chairman Radhakrishnan expressed grief over the casualties and destruction caused by natural calamities in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Mizoram, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

He conveyed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Chairman said that the House stood in solidarity with all people affected by these disasters. Following this, members observed a moment of silence while standing to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

After the condolence proceedings, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that all political parties had demanded a discussion on the NEET examination issue and that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had consistently supported holding a debate on the matter.

Rijiju said that after discussions with opposition leaders, particularly Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, it was expected that a discussion on the issue would begin in the House on Thursday. However, he alleged that the Congress had placed certain conditions for the debate.

The minister said the government was ready to discuss the format and duration of the debate but could not accept any preconditions. He alleged that the Opposition was demanding a discussion while simultaneously creating obstacles by attaching conditions.

Rijiju emphasised that the NEET issue should not be politicised and called for a meaningful discussion in both Houses of Parliament. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on ensuring strict and swift action in cases of examination paper leaks, including the need for fast-track judicial mechanisms to provide quick punishment to those found guilty.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister urged opposition members to participate in the discussion without any conditions.

Meanwhile, opposition members continued raising slogans and creating an uproar in the House. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said the Prime Minister’s statement was provocative and reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign.

Kharge said the Opposition wanted a discussion in Parliament but alleged that the government was avoiding debate. Amid the continued disruption, Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan adjourned the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha until 12 noon.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar