Proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were disrupted for the fifth consecutive day over the NEET paper leak issue, with the government offering to hold a discussion while the Opposition continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that he was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha and that his microphone was switched off.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha that the government was prepared to hold a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue and urged the Opposition to allow Parliament to function smoothly. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already assured the country's youth that strict action would be taken against those responsible for paper leak cases. Rijiju also appealed to Rahul Gandhi to ask Opposition MPs to participate in the discussion. The government further stated that the process of establishing fast-track courts for the speedy trial of paper leak cases had begun.
Rahul Gandhi said he was not given an opportunity to speak when he wanted to respond in the Lok Sabha. He stated that the Opposition would not participate in discussions until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was removed from office. Gandhi alleged that attempts were being made to suppress the voices of students. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in Parliament, saying that instead of issuing a video message at midnight, the Prime Minister should respond in Parliament on the issue concerning students.
MPs of the INDIA bloc staged a protest in the Parliament complex over the NEET paper leak issue. Leaders from the Congress, the TMC and other Opposition parties reiterated their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Opposition alleged that irregularities in the NEET examination had affected the future of millions of students and said the Education Minister should step down to ensure accountability. During the protest, Opposition leaders raised slogans against the Central government and demanded action in the interest of students.
The Bharatiya Janata Party described the Opposition's allegations as politically motivated. BJP leaders said the government had already initiated action and that strict measures were being taken against those responsible. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Congress was attempting to derive political benefit from the students' movement. He said the government's priority was to ensure justice for students. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav also appealed to the Opposition to participate in the discussion in Parliament, stating that the government was ready for a debate.
Amid the controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had issued a video message for students, stating that paper leaks were a serious crime and that those responsible would not be spared under any circumstances. He said the government was taking steps towards stricter laws and a faster judicial process to prevent paper leak cases. The Prime Minister said protecting the future of students was the government's highest priority. Following this, the government said it was prepared to discuss proposals related to strengthening punishment provisions in paper leak cases.
Parliamentary proceedings continued to be affected for the fifth consecutive day because of the NEET paper leak issue. The Lok Sabha was adjourned until July 27 following disruptions. In the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members raised slogans and demanded a response from the government. The continuing deadlock between the two sides affected important legislative business.
The NEET paper leak issue has become a subject of nationwide debate over the education system and examination process. Student organisations and Opposition parties have said greater transparency and accountability are required in the examination process. The government has said action is being taken against those responsible and that ber mechanisms are being developed to prevent such incidents in the future. According to the source content, debate and political confrontation over the issue in Parliament may intensify in the coming days.
