Parliament Remains Deadlocked as Opposition Presses for NEET Debate, Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
New Delhi, July 24: Parliament witnessed another day of disruption as both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till noon on Friday amid continuing protests by Opposition parties over the NEET paper leak controversy and the police action against protesting students.
With the Monsoon Session entering its fifth day, legislative business has remained largely stalled as Opposition MPs insist on a full discussion on the alleged examination irregularities and continue demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Soon after proceedings began, Opposition members raised slogans and sought permission to discuss the issue. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to raise concerns over the police action against students protesting in the national capital. However, amid persistent disruptions, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.
The Lok Sabha also saw repeated interruptions, prompting Speaker Om Birla to appeal for order and request members to wait for the appropriate time to raise the matter. Despite his appeal, protests continued, forcing the House to adjourn till noon.
Before the day’s proceedings, Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil War, noting that Parliament would not be in session on July 26, the anniversary of India’s victory.
Outside Parliament, the political confrontation intensified. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to dismiss Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before entering Parliament. He also demanded an apology to students and strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of force during recent student protests.
The Congress maintained that meaningful discussions on reforms in the education system can only take place after accountability is fixed and the Education Minister is removed from office.
The government, however, has maintained that it is ready to debate the issue in Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju earlier accused the Opposition of setting preconditions instead of participating in discussions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Cabinet would deliberate on the NEET paper leak issue and consider legal reforms aimed at strengthening the fight against examination fraud. The Centre is also expected to introduce a Bill in Parliament next week proposing stricter punishments and faster trials for paper leak offences.
As political tensions continue to rise, Parliament remains at a standstill, while students and families across the country await concrete steps to restore trust in India’s public examination system.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
