Uproar continues in Parliament over NEET paper leak issue. The opposition has demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and discussion under the adjournment motion. At the same time, the government says that it is ready for debate, but the rules are yet to be decided.
New Delhi [भारत]July 22 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday questioned the state of democracy in the country amid the ongoing political controversy over the NEET issue and the opposition’s demand for a special discussion on it in Parliament. Speaking to reporters in the Parliament complex, Priyanka Gandhi said, “What will you all (media) say – is this the world’s largest democracy? Now you all should start showing and speaking the truth.”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera said the opposition had demanded a discussion under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha regarding the alleged NEET paper leak, and also reiterated the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Khera told reporters, “The leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha had given a notice under Rule 267 to discuss the NEET paper leak issue and Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The Union Home Minister should give a detailed statement in both the Houses of Parliament. But the government is not ready for anything.”
Government’s answer: Ready for discussion
Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the government is ready to discuss the NEET-UG paper leak at the earliest, and called on opposition parties to help formulate an agenda without wasting further legislative hours. “For three days, the government has offered to hold a formal discussion. The government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. The discussion will be based on the rules, including its duration. There should be a meeting with floor leaders of all parties to decide when and how the discussion will be held,” Rijiju said in the lower house.
Speaking to reporters later, Rijiju stressed that the debate should not be “just for the sake of it”, adding that the government wanted a meaningful exchange on a matter concerning the youth of the country. Rijiju said, “From day one, we have informed the opposition leaders, the Speaker and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha that the government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak and all related issues. But it needs to be decided under what specific rules this discussion takes place. There should be a constructive discussion through established systems. The steps taken by the government on this issue should also be brought before the public.” He further said, “If we do not discuss it, how will the public know what action the government has taken? We have again formally said that there should be no delay on this issue.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reiterated that the government is ready for debate and invited floor leaders to finalize the agenda. However, the House was adjourned till 2:00 pm amid continued uproar by opposition members.
Opposition adamant on adjournment motion, protest in black clothes
Earlier, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said the opposition unanimously agreed to press for the debate through an adjournment motion, and also demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Venugopal said, “This morning, we held discussions with the opposition parties. We decided very clearly–for the last three days–that we will continuously bring an adjournment motion on the NEET-CBSE exam leak issue, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a proper action plan to prevent future leaks.” He further said that the opposition is ready for debate provided the government accepts the adjournment motion.
Separately, opposition MPs protested inside the Parliament complex wearing black to register their protest against the government. Prominent leaders including leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra participated in the protest.
Reiterating her support to student activists during the protests, Priyanka Gandhi said, “There is a real struggle of students and they are demanding their rights. Paper leaks are happening again and again. There is nothing undemocratic in peaceful protests, but what is happening with the students and inside the Parliament is really undemocratic.” (ANI)
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