Parliament Logjam Persists Over NEET As Govt Offers Discussion, Opposition Presses Demands

Last Updated:July 22, 2026, 12:42 IST

Kiren Rijiju says the government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak in Parliament, while the Opposition continues to demand a structured debate.

As repeated disruptions over the NEET paper leak issue continued to stall proceedings in Parliament, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government remains willing to discuss the controversy and has conveyed its readiness from the very beginning of the session.

Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Rijiju said, “For three days we have been offering that the government is absolutely ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. Since day one we have been saying that discussions have to be held as per rules."

He clarified that while the Centre has no objection to debating the matter, parliamentary procedure must be followed before such a discussion is scheduled.

“When the discussion is to be held, the duration of the discussion and under what rule the discussion is to be held should be decided after speaking with floor leaders of all parties," Rijiju said.

Reiterating the government’s position, he added, “There should be a constructive discussion for the future of the youth of this country. This is what the government wants."

Rijiju’s remarks came amid mounting pressure from the Opposition, which has been demanding a structured discussion under an adjournment motion while also seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the government of avoiding a proper parliamentary debate despite repeatedly stating that it was willing to discuss the issue.

“For the last three days, we have been moving an adjournment motion demanding discussion on the NEET exam paper leak and resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. But the government is not accepting our demand," Venugopal said.

Questioning the government’s intent, he asked, “Yesterday, Jitendra Singh said the government is ready for discussion, but under which rule? Why is this government insensitive on this issue? What is stopping them from going for a structured debate?"

Venugopal said the Opposition would continue its agitation on three demands – a discussion on the NEET paper leak, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, and the withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesting students.

PARLIAMENT DEADLOCK CONTINUES

The issue has emerged as one of the biggest flashpoints of the ongoing Parliament session, with the Opposition repeatedly disrupting proceedings over the alleged paper leak and the police action against students protesting in Delhi.

On Wednesday, leaders of several INDIA bloc parties staged a protest outside Parliament wearing black clothes to express solidarity with students.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MPs from several Opposition parties participated in the demonstration.

The protest came a day after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several Congress leaders were detained by Delhi Police during a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg before being released later.

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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