Amid the ongoing dispute between the Centre and the Opposition regarding the anti-paper leak students’ protest, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, alleged that his microphone was switched off in the House. He insisted that no discussions would occur until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns and Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologizes to the students.
Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, accused the Opposition of avoiding a discussion on the exam paper leak and other educational matters during the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. He urged all parties, particularly the Opposition, to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to decide on the timing and rules for a discussion on the NEET paper leak without delay.
The Opposition had initially requested a debate on the students’ concerns in the House but had asked the government to accept the adjournment motion to facilitate the debate. Rahul Gandhi, speaking outside Parliament, highlighted three demands from the students: removal of the Education Minister, accountability for those who attacked students, and an apology from the Prime Minister.
Gandhi emphasized that no conversation or discussion would take place until Mr. Pradhan is removed from his position. Congress MP Tariq Anwar supported Gandhi’s claim of being silenced in the House, calling the Chairman’s behavior undemocratic. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav stated that there is no deadlock with the government and emphasized the need for the Education Minister’s resignation and a discussion to move forward.
Congress MP Kumari Selja criticized the government for failing to understand ethics and demanded the withdrawal of FIRs against students and the resignation of the Education Minister.
