Opposition MPs from INDIA block demonstrated in Parliament over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The opposition is adamant on the demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Congress President Kharge has asked PM Modi to give a statement in Parliament.
New Delhi [भारत]July 24 (ANI): Opposition MPs from the INDIA block will protest at the Makar Gate of Parliament at 10.30 am today amid the ongoing standoff over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The monsoon session of Parliament has been disrupted to a great extent on this issue.
The protest comes after a direct confrontation between NDA and INDIA block MPs on Thursday when both the parties demonstrated together at Makar Dwar. The opposition is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the NDA has accused him of deliberately stalling the debate on the issue.
Congress placed three demands
In a post on X, Congress shared three demands of the opposition, including the resignation of minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Congress posted, “The youth have 3 demands which should be fulfilled. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, action must be taken against those committing violence against students, Narendra Modi must apologize to the youth of the country.”
Kharge targeted PM Modi
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message on NEET-UG 2024 paper leak. Kharge demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament, sack Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and apologize to the students protesting over the issue.
In a post shared on X, Kharge said that the Prime Minister should speak in Parliament instead of making statements outside the House. Kharge said, “When Parliament is in session, the Prime Minister has to give a statement on the floor of Parliament, and not record a video late at night and give a one-sided ‘Mann Ki Baat’ outside the Parliament!!”
Kharge further said, “@narendramodi ji, before coming to Parliament today, sack Dharmendra Pradhan. First apologize to the students and take strict action against those who ordered the use of lathis, batons and pellet guns to suppress the voice of students. Then we are ready for a detailed discussion on the education system.”
Kharge’s comments come after PM Modi’s statement in which he had said that “even more strict” action would be taken against those involved in the paper leak. He also announced that the Union Cabinet will consider a draft bill proposing fast-track courts and harsher punishment for criminals.
Sonia Gandhi condemned the police action
Meanwhile, Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi has said the central government has met the peaceful student protests with “cowardice and cruelty”, and has treated the country’s youth like “enemies of the nation” rather than “future heirs”.
In an editorial in ‘The Hindu’, Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi urged the Center to stop the police action, saying, “These are our sons and daughters, our young men and women.”
The article described the July 20 Parliament march as a “day of infamy”, when Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces reportedly used lathicharge and tear gas against protesters, injuring several people, including some returning home. It calls on the government to stop action and instead engage in dialogue. (ANI)
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