Opposition parties staged protests in Parliament on Wednesday during the Monsoon Session over the NEET examination controversy and alleged police action against supporters of the CJP during demonstrations. The opposition objected to the alleged action against students, leading to disruptions in both Houses of Parliament.
In the Lok Sabha, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the police action and said the government should respond to allegations of misconduct against women students participating in the protests. He asked who had authorized the police to allegedly tear the clothes of daughters during the demonstrations.
Opposition MPs reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue. The government, however, said it was prepared to hold a discussion in Parliament on the NEET paper leak case.
As part of the protest, several opposition MPs, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Parliament wearing black clothes. The opposition registered its protest against the government over the NEET paper leak, examination reforms, and the alleged police action against students. Rahul Gandhi, who is usually seen wearing a white T-shirt, attended Parliament wearing a black T-shirt and black trousers. Opposition MPs also raised slogans against the government within the Parliament premises.
The proceedings of the Lok Sabha were disrupted due to the opposition protests. The House, which convened at 11 a.m., was adjourned within a minute of commencement. Proceedings resumed at noon but were again adjourned shortly thereafter until 2 p.m. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed opposition demands for a discussion on the alleged police action against students and issues related to the examination system. The Upper House was similarly adjourned until 2 p.m. following the disruptions.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Akhilesh Yadav said the issue was not related to any single political party but concerned millions of students and young people across the country. He said the Prime Minister should come to Parliament and respond to matters affecting students' future. He alleged that students participating in peaceful protests were assaulted, prompting the opposition to raise the issue. He said the government should take serious steps to ensure transparency in the NEET examination and protect students' rights.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said in the Lok Sabha that the opposition's demand was that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should accept responsibility and resign. He said the alleged NEET paper leak and irregularities in the examination system had affected millions of students. According to the opposition, the government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) failed to maintain the confidentiality of the examination.
Responding to the opposition's allegations, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government had been ready for several days to discuss the NEET issue in Parliament. He said the government wanted a detailed discussion in accordance with parliamentary rules so that issues related to the examination system and students could be debated properly. The government also stated that an investigation into the NEET case had already begun and action was being taken against those found responsible.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the government in support of the students. She said the students' demands were justified and that peaceful protest was a democratic right. She alleged that the government should answer questions related to important issues in the education system and also raised concerns regarding the education budget and the government's economic policies.
Investigative agencies are continuing their probe into the NEET-UG examination controversy. Allegations have been made that examination questions were circulated to some students before the test. The Ministry of Education had assigned the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency has questioned several individuals in connection with the case and has made some arrests. The government said necessary measures were being taken to strengthen the examination system.
The opposition has accused the government of compromising the future of students, while the government has said it is committed to a transparent investigation and reforms. The NEET issue remained a subject of political disagreement during the Monsoon Session.
