NEET Paper Leak Row: Government and Opposition Lock Horns Over Debate Conditions

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday accused the Opposition of attaching 'pre-conditions' to a debate on the NEET paper leak issue, alleging they were trying to avoid the discussion. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said the government is open to a debate and that Opposition members can speak for as long as they want, even for two days.

The Opposition, led by the Congress and other parties, has insisted on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any debate. Rijiju countered that the government has approached the Congress and other parties to schedule the debate, and that the date and duration can be decided by the Opposition.

The remarks came after the House reconvened at noon following an earlier adjournment. As soon as the session resumed, Opposition members began shouting slogans and displaying placards, with many moving into the Well of the House. Deputy Speaker Dilip Saika urged members to return to their seats, but the protests continued, leading to an adjournment within 10 minutes.

Earlier, during Question Hour, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to allow proceedings to function, calling it an important part of the day's business. 'The Question Hour is the most important. After that, the House is ready to discuss every issue. I will speak to the government, and the government is also ready for discussions. I appeal to all members to participate in the discussion after the Question Hour,' Birla said.

For the fourth consecutive day, Question Hour and Zero Hour were disrupted as Opposition parties pressed for a debate on the NEET paper leak and the resignation of Pradhan. Top Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, met Speaker Birla amidst the disruptions. TMC leaders Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra were also present at the meeting.