politics

Both Houses of Parliament Paralyzed for Fourth Day as Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation

Published on: 24 Jul 2026, 12:00 AM

New Delhi: The Monsoon Session of Parliament remained stalled for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, with opposition MPs insisting on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. Despite efforts by the Speaker and senior ministers, no legislative business could be conducted in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held separate meetings with opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Supriya Sule in an attempt to break the deadlock. Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also met the Speaker to discuss the situation. However, the opposition remained firm on its demand, rejecting the government's offer for a debate on the issue.

Meanwhile, opposition MPs organized a 'candlelight march' to Gandhi Smriti on Thursday night, expressing solidarity with students protesting the NEET paper leak. Earlier in the week, students had staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence and were dispersed by police.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, We go to remember the students we lost — the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak. And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today — beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability.

Congress MP P. Chidambaram questioned the security arrangements in the capital, stating, All roads are barricaded, and hundreds of policemen are mobilised to 'secure' the roads of Delhi. What is the government afraid of? Why this sense of panic?

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance to the youth, calling it platitudes and accusing the government of using pellet guns, shock batons, and tear gas against protesters. The government has denied any direct involvement of the Education Minister in the leak and has maintained that a thorough investigation is underway.

The ruling party has urged the opposition to allow Parliament to function, stressing that disruptions hinder important legislative work. The stalemate shows no signs of immediate resolution, with both sides sticking to their positions.

Source: Times of India

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