'No Pre-Conditions, No Politics On NEET': In Rajya Sabha, Rijiju Urges Opposition For Parliament Debate

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 11:23 IST

Kiren Rijiju tells the Rajya Sabha there should be no preconditions or politics over the NEET issue, urging the Opposition to begin discussions in Parliament immediately.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday urged the Opposition to participate in a discussion on the NEET paper leak issue without imposing any preconditions, asserting that there should be “no politics" over a matter concerning the country’s students.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju said the government was ready to begin the discussion immediately and questioned the need for any conditions before the debate could take place.

“Everyone has demanded a discussion on NEET. There should be no condition on discussion. If there is a condition, then it means your intentions are not right," the Union Minister said.

Appealing to Opposition parties to allow Parliament to function, Rijiju said, “Don’t put preconditions. There should be no politics on NEET."

He further urged all parties to discuss without any prior demands.

“I request you, don’t put conditions. Let us discuss without preconditions. We can begin today. We can start the discussion today itself," Rijiju said in the House.

Referring to the Centre’s response to the controversy, Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already assured the country of strict action against those involved in paper leak cases.

“The Prime Minister has already assured fast-track courts and strong punishment," he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in cases involving examination irregularities.

His remarks came hours after Prime Minister Modi announced that fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.

The Prime Minister also said that nothing was more important than the welfare and future of the country’s youth and assured that those responsible for compromising students’ future would not be spared.

GOVERNMENT REITERATES READINESS FOR DEBATE

Rijiju’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha come a day after the government formally reiterated in the Lok Sabha that it was prepared to discuss the NEET paper leak issue.

On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister had informed the Lower House that the government had been ready for such a discussion from the very beginning.

He had said that consultations among floor leaders were required to determine the rule under which the debate would be held, along with its date and duration.

He had also stressed that the government wanted a meaningful discussion rather than a symbolic one, saying Parliament should deliberate on the steps taken by the Centre so that the public could be informed about the government’s response to the controversy.

OPPOSITION CONTINUES TO PRESS DEMANDS

The Opposition has been demanding a discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak issue while simultaneously seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the handling of the controversy.

Repeated protests by Opposition members have disrupted proceedings in both Houses of Parliament over the past several days.

Against this backdrop, Rijiju once again appealed to Opposition parties to set aside political differences and participate in a discussion without attaching conditions, maintaining that the issue deserved a serious debate rather than political confrontation.

“The discussion can begin today itself," he reiterated, calling on all parties to engage in the debate without preconditions.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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