Monsoon Session: Amit Shah offers full debate on NEET issue; Opposition demands answers on police action
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said he was willing to participate in a full debate in Parliament on the protests against the NEET paper leak. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also stated that the government was ready to extend the time allotted for discussion on the issue.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, rejected the government's offer, saying that the youth wanted answers on who ordered the firing and police action against protesters, and not a lecture from the Home Minister.
The Monsoon Session, scheduled to conclude on Thursday, has witnessed little legislative business. Question Hour has been suspended, and several Bills have been passed amid disruptions as the Opposition pressed its demand for a statement from Mr. Shah on the police action during a protest on July 20 against the NEET paper leak.
On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act without debate, despite vocal protests from Opposition members. The Rajya Sabha passed two more Bills: the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.
The Upper House has so far passed about ten Bills, besides Money Bills returned to the Lok Sabha, during the stormy session. The government has maintained that the Bills are necessary for legislative progress, while the Opposition has accused it of bypassing parliamentary scrutiny.
The NEET paper leak, which came to light in July, has triggered nationwide protests by students and parents. The Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the issue, along with a response from the Home Minister on the alleged use of excessive force against demonstrators.
Parliamentary proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted, with Opposition members raising slogans and demanding that the government address their concerns. The government, on its part, has accused the Opposition of obstructing the session and preventing the passage of important legislation.
As the session nears its end, the standoff between the government and the Opposition shows no signs of resolution. The government's offer of a debate, contingent on a time limit, has been rejected by the Opposition, which insists on a full discussion without restrictions.
Political observers note that the impasse reflects deeper divisions between the ruling and Opposition benches, raising questions about the effectiveness of Parliament as a forum for deliberation. The final day of the session on Thursday is expected to see further confrontation unless a compromise is reached.
