New Delhi [India], July 24 (ANI): Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday criticised the Opposition for adopting an “aggressive stance” over the NEET issue and said that the concerns raised by them could have been discussed through the Business Advisory Committee and subsequently on the floor of Parliament.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav said the government had invited the Opposition for a discussion and urged it to avoid “unnecessary politics” and instead engage in dialogue on the future of students and the country’s education system.
“I believe the Opposition should not resort to unnecessary politics, stir up excitement, and exploit circumstances for small political gains. Parliament is a major forum where a full discussion should take place,” Yadav said.
Yadav stressed that the issue should be debated on the floor of Parliament and the opposition should come forth for the same.
“And the most important thing is that there should be a discussion on this in Parliament. The government, for its part, has invited the Opposition for a discussion,” he said.
Yadav further said the Opposition could have raised its concerns through the Business Advisory Committee and facilitated a discussion in Parliament.
“It seems quite ironic; I have been working in Parliament for about 15 years. Whenever a parliamentary session begins, a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee is held. The government calls for a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, but the Opposition hasn’t allowed an environment for it,” he said.
“The issues they had in mind could have been presented in the Business Advisory Committee, and then the time for discussion could have been determined. So, before this process could start, such an aggressive stance and approach were taken that instead of a discussion, tension spread in the atmosphere,” he added.
Yadav further said the government had consistently worked to ensure that NEET is conducted and was planning a “robust system” to address shortcomings in the examination process.
“I believe that under the leadership of the honourable Prime Minister, the government is working with great determination regarding the NEET exam, keeping the interests of the students in mind and taking all precautions,” Yadav said.
He also welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government on the NEET examination issue and systemic reforms.
“For a long time, Sonam Wangchuk presented his concerns, and Nadda ji himself went to him and ended his strike. This is a very positive development,” he said.
The Union Minister said a second phase of the examination had also been conducted and efforts were underway to address the shortcomings and strengthen the system.
“Along with this, if you look, the government has consistently made efforts to ensure that NEET is held this year. A second phase was also conducted. To address its shortcomings, how to create a robust system is being planned,” he said.
Wangchuk ended his hunger strike in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital late last night. He said he had insisted on receiving the government’s assurances in writing before ending his protest.
“The Ministers who came from the government’s side also provided this assurance. For the past two days, a very tough–how shall I say–a kind of ‘bargain’ was going on because I wanted these assurances in writing. It took two extra days for this, and I would have sat longer if needed, but finally, today, they have given the assurance in writing,” Wangchuk said.
Meanwhile, the Opposition has continued to demand Pradhan’s resignation and a detailed discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded that the Prime Minister address the House and take action against those responsible for the alleged mistreatment of protesting students.
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has also criticised the government’s response to student protests, alleging that peaceful demonstrations were met with “cowardice and wanton cruelty” and calling for the Centre to halt the police crackdown and engage in dialogue.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also reiterated his demand for the abolition of NEET. Sharing a post by DMK leader TRB Rajaa on X, Stalin wrote, “#BanNEET”.
The CJP has meanwhile announced that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Its delegation is scheduled to meet Union Ministers at 12.30 PM on Friday at the Constitution Club of India to discuss the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and reforms in the examination system. (ANI)
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