Rival demonstrations by NDA and INDIA bloc MPs outside Parliament on Thursday briefly turned confrontational as both sides protested over the alleged NEET paper leak and the deadlock over a discussion on the issue in the House.
The standoff unfolded at Makar Dwar, where Opposition MPs protested against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination paper leak. NDA parliamentarians, meanwhile, accused the Opposition of refusing to participate in a parliamentary debate and of spreading misinformation on the issue.
#WATCH | Delhi | Opposition parties hold a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. NDA MPs hold a counter-protest against the Opposition, alleging them of derailing the discussion by putting pre-conditions. pic.twitter.com/dMqfqHznPX
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
Tensions escalated when CPI(M) MP John Brittas was seen pulling a poster from BJP MP Arun Singh. Members from both camps gathered face-to-face before Parliament security personnel intervened, forming a human chain to separate the groups. Slogans were also exchanged between Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP leaders.
BJP accuses Congress of avoiding debate
Reacting to the confrontation, BJP MP Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress was trying to avoid a discussion on the issue inside Parliament.
Patra said BJP leaders had interacted with students and activist Sonam Wangchuk over the past few days, and claimed there was broad agreement that Parliament should hold a detailed discussion on examination paper leaks and enact stricter laws to prevent future incidents.
He accused the Congress of preferring political protests over parliamentary debate.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi also said the ruling alliance wanted a discussion on the education system and the alleged paper leak in Parliament.
He said the government remained committed to protecting students’ interests and referred to the Centre’s decision to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy punishment for those found guilty in paper leak cases.
#WATCH | Delhi | BJP MP Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi says, “BJP and NDA MPs are standing here saying that there should be a discussion in Parliament on NEET and the education system, but the Congress does not want a discussion to take place in the House. The Bharatiya Janata Party and… pic.twitter.com/vpyHpTokoO
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
PM Modi announces fast-track courts
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued his first public response to the ongoing agitation, announcing that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said protecting the welfare and future of young people remained the government’s priority and warned that those responsible for compromising students’ futures would not be spared.
He also said authorities had been directed to take all necessary steps to safeguard students’ interests.
Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh hit back
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi dismissed the Prime Minister’s remarks and accused the government of damaging the country’s education system.
In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that the government had allowed the education system to be captured and had protected those responsible for its failures. He reiterated the Opposition’s demand for the dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought an apology to students.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Prime Minister, alleging that he had avoided addressing Parliament directly on the issue and instead responded through social media.