According to government sources, the government is taking new steps to overcome the deadlock in Parliament caused by the NEET exam material leak issue. These efforts are aimed at ending frequent interruptions that have slowed down proceedings during the first week of the Monsoon Session.
Proposal for unconditional debates
The Centre informed opposition parties of its readiness to discuss the alleged NEET material leak, but insists that the debates take place 'without any preconditions.' This includes the opposition's demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Sources also indicated that the government will likely convene a meeting of faction leaders soon, attempting to reach an agreement on holding this discussion. This initiative emerged against the backdrop of ongoing paralysis in Parliament, where sessions have been repeatedly interrupted over this issue.
Meetings and opposition demands
Earlier that day, Home Minister Amit Shah met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned amid prolonged protests by opposition members. Before Shah's meeting with the Speaker, among the opposition leaders who met with Birla were opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy, and Mahua Moitra.
During Question Hour, the Speaker asked opposition leaders to meet with him to discuss the timeline and schedule for debates on the NEET material leak issue. The government stated its willingness to discuss, but accused the opposition of making the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation a condition for participating in the debates. Opposition parties demand accountability regarding the alleged irregularities in the exam and insist on the minister's departure.
Context of protests
The Monsoon Session, which began on Monday, has been characterized by frequent adjournments due to protests by opposition parties related to the NEET material leak, as well as the alleged theft of donations from the Ram temple. Furthermore, police action against protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi has been actively featured in the opposition's protests within Parliament.
