Rahul Gandhi rallies Opposition MPs for fresh street protests as both sides dig in over NEET paper leak fallout
The Centre signalled Thursday it was willing to debate the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament on terms set by the Opposition, effectively conceding ground on a long-pending demand for an adjournment motion. However, the government stopped short of meeting the core demand from students and Opposition MPs alike: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the Lok Sabha that the government had conveyed its readiness to hold discussions in both Houses on a date and format of the Opposition’s choosing. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla echoed the sentiment, urging parties to consult and proceed with the debate after Question Hour.
Despite the overture, Opposition leaders resolved to hold firm. At a Thursday morning strategy meeting, Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav agreed not to dilute their stance, fearing it would let Pradhan “off the hook.” Gandhi later convened all Opposition MPs to plan fresh street demonstrations, insisting the movement must extend beyond Parliament’s walls.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of stalling and deflecting attention, while CPIM’s John Brittas called the offer “an improvement” but reiterated that Pradhan’s removal remains non-negotiable. TMC’s Saugata Ray confirmed Opposition parties had rejected the adjournment motion proposal outright.
The standoff unfolds against the backdrop of a 48-day protest movement triggered by the NEET paper leak.
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