Rijiju Urges NEET Debate in Lok Sabha; Opposition Demands Minister's Resignation

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday urged the Opposition to allow a debate in the Lok Sabha on the NEET paper leak issue, warning that any excuse to avoid discussion would send a wrong signal to the country. However, the Congress and other Opposition parties continued to insist on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Making a statement in the House, Rijiju said the government had repeatedly approached Opposition parties, including the Congress, to facilitate a debate. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already assured the public of a law on paper leaks and the establishment of fast-track courts to handle such cases, and urged the Opposition not to attach pre-conditions.

The Minister also mentioned that activist Sonam Wangchuk had broken his fast, suggesting the House should proceed with the debate. Despite this, Opposition members persisted in demanding Pradhan's resignation, shouting slogans like 'Istifa Do' (Tender resignation), leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day.

For the past five days, the Lok Sabha has faced repeated adjournments due to Opposition protests over the NEET paper leak issue, which has sparked nationwide concern.