NEET Paper Leak: Rajya Sabha Paralysed as Opposition, Government Clash Over Debate Rules

The Rajya Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) as the Opposition and the government clashed over the rules for discussing the alleged NEET question paper leak. The Opposition demanded a debate under Rule 267, which suspends the day's business, while the government argued that no conditions could be dictated for the discussion.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh ruled that an adjournment motion could be taken up only in the 'rarest of the rare' situations. The Opposition contended that the current situation qualified as such, citing the student protests and a hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before the debate.

The House was repeatedly adjourned due to sloganeering and disruptions, with no agenda taken up for the day. In the morning, Opposition MPs wore black attire. The House paid homage to 20 people killed in a hydropower tunnel accident in Sikkim. Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan also informed members about the indigenous hydrogen-powered train.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the police action against protesting students at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on Monday. BJP members raised slogans as he spoke, leading to counter-slogans from the Opposition. The Chairman adjourned the House until noon.

When the House reassembled at 12 p.m., the sloganeering continued. Deputy Chairman Harivansh adjourned the House till 2 p.m., then to 3 p.m., and finally for the day. At 2 p.m., Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju stated that the government was ready to discuss all issues and criticised the Opposition for putting conditions on the debate. He said it was for the Chair to decide the rule for the debate.

Mr. Kharge reiterated the demand for a discussion under Rule 267 and Mr. Pradhan's resignation. He also raised the issue of police action against protesters. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda accused the Opposition of 'destroying the dignity of Parliament' through irresponsible behaviour, noting that the government was willing to discuss the NEET paper leak.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva argued that the issue qualified as a 'rarest of the rare' situation, pointing to Sonam Wangchuk's fast, 95 student suicides, and ongoing student strikes. He noted that the government had given assurances but action was needed.