Lok Sabha Paralysed for Fifth Day Over Demand for Education Minister's Resignation
The Lok Sabha remained non-functional for the fifth consecutive day on Friday, as the opposition, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, insisted that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign before any discussion on examination paper leaks can take place.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the opposition to allow a debate, stating that imposing preconditions sends a 'wrong message' to the country. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a stringent anti-paper leak law and fast-track courts as evidence of the government's commitment to protecting students.
However, Mr. Gandhi told reporters after the House was adjourned, 'Our first demand, the corrupt Education Minister has to go.' He alleged that he was denied the opportunity to respond to Mr. Rijiju's remarks, a breach of parliamentary practice when an MP is named.
The Congress leadership has scheduled a meeting on Sunday to discuss its stance on the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation, which is expected to be introduced next week.
Earlier, Speaker Om Birla paid tributes to soldiers ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas and appealed for Question Hour to function, but protests continued. Question Hour was not taken up for the fifth straight day. The House was adjourned until Monday.
The opposition's demands include the resignation of Mr. Pradhan, action against those responsible for an alleged police assault on protesting students, and an apology from the Prime Minister.
