Opposition Demands Pradhan’s Resignation Before NEET Debate
Government says it is ready for discussion, but Opposition insists Education Minister must step down first
- Opposition demands Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation before any NEET debate.
- Government reiterates readiness to discuss the NEET paper leak in Parliament.
- Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav back students’ demand for the minister’s resignation.
- Standoff over NEET continues to disrupt Parliament proceedings.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd July: A fresh confrontation erupted in Parliament on Wednesday over the NEET paper leak, with the Opposition insisting that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any discussion on the issue, while the Centre reiterated that it was fully prepared for a debate.
Leading the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said a fair discussion on the alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination could take place only after Pradhan stepped down.
“For a fair discussion on NEET, there will be no debate until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” Kharge said during the proceedings.
Responding to the demand, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda said the government was not avoiding a discussion and remained committed to debating all issues, including the NEET paper leak.
He said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already made it clear that the government was ready to discuss every important issue before Parliament and described the Centre as a “transparent government.”
Rijiju reiterated that the government had maintained its willingness to discuss the matter since the beginning of the Monsoon Session and accused the Opposition of creating excuses to avoid a debate.
“The Government is 100 per cent ready for a discussion on the NEET exam paper leak,” Rijiju said, adding that discussions on the timing and format would be decided by the Chair after consultations with all parties.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav backed the Opposition’s demand, saying students wanted the Education Minister’s resignation before any talks with the government.
“The students have demanded that the resignation come first, followed by a discussion,” Yadav said, asserting that the minister should resign before Parliament takes up the issue.
The remarks came a day after Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, participated in a march towards the Prime Minister’s residence demanding accountability over the alleged paper leak.
The continuing deadlock over the issue has disrupted Parliament, with the Opposition pressing for ministerial accountability while the government maintains that it is prepared to debate the matter without any preconditions.
