Rajya Sabha Stalemate: Government Ready for Debate, Opposition Insists on Minister's Resignation
The Rajya Sabha witnessed continued deadlock for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, as the Opposition demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any discussion on the NEET paper leak issue can take place. The Opposition also protested against the police action on student demonstrators on Monday.
When the House convened, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to raise the issue of the police using batons and tear gas against student protesters marching from Jantar Mantar to Parliament. Wearing a black armband, Kharge expressed 'immense pain' over the incident. However, Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, facing objections from treasury benches, adjourned the House until noon.
At noon, Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged members to allow Zero Hour discussions, but his appeals were ignored, leading to an adjournment until 2 PM. When the House reconvened, the Opposition continued to demand the Minister's resignation.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government has taken steps regarding the NEET paper leak and is ready for a discussion but will not accept preconditions. Leader of the House J P Nadda criticized the Opposition's behaviour as 'irresponsible' and 'anti-democratic'.
Kharge reiterated his demand for a discussion under Rule 267, but only after Pradhan's resignation, claiming an unbiased discussion is not possible otherwise. Amid sloganeering, the House was adjourned several times, finally until 11 AM on Thursday.
Several Opposition MPs have given notice under Rule 267 to suspend ordinary business and discuss the NEET issue. DMK MP P Wilson also moved a resolution to abolish NEET. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for refusing a discussion under Rule 267, also highlighting the alleged manhandling of opposition leaders by police on July 21.
The proceedings began with members observing silence for 20 workers killed in a tunnel accident in Sikkim. Chairman Radhakrishnan also congratulated the Prime Minister and Railway Minister on the launch of India's first indigenous hydrogen-powered train.
