Parliament deadlock continues over NEET paper leaks; government offers discussion, opposition demands minister's resignation

The ongoing parliamentary deadlock over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination showed no signs of resolution on Wednesday, with the Opposition maintaining its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The government reiterated its willingness to hold an elaborate discussion in the House on the issue but refused to accept the resignation demand.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated in the Lok Sabha that the government was prepared for a discussion but left the arrangements, including the rule under which it would be held and its duration, to the Speaker. The Opposition, however, insisted that the debate be taken up immediately, setting aside all other business.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, outlined the Congress party's demands: Pradhan's resignation, action against police personnel accused of using excessive force against protesters on Monday, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the affected students. Gandhi accused the government of damaging India's education system and described the protesters' demands as legitimate.

Meanwhile, the Opposition also reached out to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since June 28 in support of education reforms. A delegation of three Opposition MPs met Wangchuk at a hospital in Gurgaon and handed him a letter signed by 18 MPs from different parties, urging him to end his fast. The letter stated that the MPs would take forward the cause of educational reforms in Parliament.

The stalemate continued in both Houses as protests and disruptions marked the third consecutive day of the session. Some Opposition leaders expressed concern over coordination within the alliance, particularly after the Congress staged a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence without consulting other parties. The government's offer of a discussion failed to break the impasse, with the Opposition insisting on Pradhan's resignation as a precondition for normal proceedings.