The government on Thursday accused the Opposition of preventing a discussion on the NEET paper leak controversy, saying it has been prepared for a debate from the outset while Opposition parties continue to insist on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
The remarks by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju came as Parliament remained deadlocked for the fourth straight day over the issue, with repeated disruptions in both Houses.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said the government had held consultations with Opposition leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, to facilitate a discussion. He said the Centre had asked Opposition parties to mutually decide the format and duration of the debate, but objected to what he described as “preconditions”.
“The government has been in favour of a discussion since the beginning,” Rijiju said, adding that all NDA allies supported a detailed debate on the issue.
He alleged that the Opposition was unwilling to discuss an issue affecting students and was instead using the controversy to disrupt Parliament.
#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again at 2 PM.
In the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “We appealed yesterday. I want to appeal to the House again today through you. We have also spoken to Congress Party leaders and other opposition members… pic.twitter.com/UNH20jCsYU
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
Govt seeks wider debate on paper leaks
Later, speaking to reporters, Rijiju said discussions with Opposition leaders had initially been positive but claimed they later began attaching fresh conditions.
He said any parliamentary debate should cover examination paper leaks across the country rather than focusing only on the NEET controversy.
According to Rijiju, the government wants to present before Parliament the steps taken after the NEET paper leak, including re-examinations where required, timely declaration of results and measures to prevent future leaks.
He also informed the House that the government has decided to establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment for those found guilty.
Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for examination leaks and appealed to Opposition parties to withdraw their conditions to allow Parliament to function.
Opposition sticks to resignation demand
Opposition parties rejected the government’s position and reiterated that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, holding him accountable for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Outside Parliament, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre and demanded both the minister’s dismissal and an apology to students.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also questioned the Prime Minister’s response, saying he should address the issue in Parliament instead of through social media.
Parliament witnesses protests
The political confrontation spilled outside the two Houses as NDA and INDIA bloc MPs held rival protests near Makar Dwar inside the Parliament complex.
During the demonstrations, CPI(M) MP John Brittas was seen pulling a placard from BJP MP Arun Singh, prompting Parliament security personnel to form a human chain between members from both sides. Slogans were also exchanged between Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP leaders.