Monsoon Session: The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 11:00 AM on July 27, Friday, following persistent sloganeering by Opposition members demanding the resignation
of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak row. The disruptions stalled proceedings as protesting MPs continued to press for accountability, intensifying the political standoff in Parliament, while Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged them to let a debate take place in Lok Sabha. Making a statement in the House, Rijiju said the government has repeatedly approached opposition parties, including the Congress, to let debate take place in Parliament. Rijiju said that not holding the NEET debate will send a wrong message to the country. He said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself assured people that there will be a law in place on paper leaks and that fast-track courts will be set up to clear such cases, the opposition should not attach pre-conditions. "I have requested KC Venugopal ji once again today, when we are all of the opinion that there should be a discussion on NEET. The PM has assured the nation. Sonam Wangchuk has broken his hunger strike and demanded a discussion. If we do not hold a discussion, it will not send the right message to the country." However, opposition members kept insisting on the resignation of Pradhan and shouted slogans like "Istifa Do" following which the proceedings were adjourned for the day. No discussion will be held before Pradhan's resignation, PM's apology and action against those behind the brutality against students, said Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. “(Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren) Rijiju ji made a statement in Lok Sabha asking Congress MPs to start a discussion. Whenever someone is named, it is normal to ask the person to respond. However, when I rose to reply to Rijiju, I was not allowed to speak, and my mike was shut,” Gandhi said.
“I wanted to present the opposition’s stand clearly. The students have three demands – corrupt Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has to go; those who beat up students must face action; and the prime minister should apologise to the students."
“These are the three conditions. We are not going to have any conversation, any discussion before Mr Pradhan is sacked,” Gandhi said.
For the past five days, the House has been witnessing repeated adjournments due to opposition protest over the NEET paper leak issue.
