Rajya Sabha Adjourned Till 2 PM as Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation Over NEET Row
New Delhi: Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday, July 23, after a heated confrontation between the government and the Opposition over the NEET paper leak issue. The disruption continued as the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation before agreeing to participate in a discussion on the matter.
The Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation as a precondition for debating the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, maintained that the government was prepared to discuss the issue in both Houses of Parliament without any preconditions.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation first, arguing that only after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down can a meaningful debate take place.
As treasury bench members demanded an immediate discussion and Opposition MPs continued to insist that the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation, loud sloganeering disrupted proceedings. Amid the chaos, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan adjourned the House until 2 pm.
Speaking in the House, Rijiju said that all political parties, including members of the NDA, had sought a discussion on the alleged NEET question paper leak. He noted that meetings with Kharge and other Opposition leaders had initially raised hopes that a debate could take place on Thursday.
However, Rijiju accused the Congress of introducing fresh conditions. He said the government was open to deciding the duration and format of the debate but stressed that discussions should not be subject to demands such as the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation.
“Putting conditions gives rise to suspicion that you want to stall a discussion,” Rijiju said. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement regarding the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those responsible for paper leaks.
The minister urged lawmakers not to politicise the NEET examination issue and appealed for an immediate discussion without conditions.
Kharge remained firm on the Opposition’s stand, stating, “Pradhan should resign and we are ready for discussion,” reinforcing that the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation before any parliamentary debate.
The latest disruption marks the fourth consecutive day of proceedings being affected since the Monsoon Session of Parliament began on Monday.
Outside Parliament, Opposition MPs also staged demonstrations supporting students protesting against the alleged NEET paper leak. They raised concerns over reports of baton charges and the use of tear gas against student protesters during recent demonstrations in Delhi.
The Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation over the government’s handling of the controversy, while student groups continue to demand accountability for the alleged examination irregularities.
The protests began last month following allegations that the NEET medical entrance examination paper had been leaked, reportedly impacting nearly two million candidates across the country. The issue has since become one of the major flashpoints of the ongoing Monsoon Session, with the Opposition Seeks Pradhan’s Resignation remaining at the centre of the political deadlock.