New Delhi [India], July 22 (ANI): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday questioned the state of democracy in the country amid the ongoing political row over the NEET issue and the Opposition’s demand for a dedicated discussion in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament premises, Priyanka Gandhi said, “What will you all (the media) say–is this the world’s largest democracy? Now, you all should start showing and speaking the truth.”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera stated that the Opposition had sought a discussion in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 267 regarding the alleged NEET paper leak, while reiterating the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha had given a notice under Rule 267 to discuss the NEET paper leak issue and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. The Union Home Minister should make a detailed statement in both Houses of Parliament. But the government is not ready for anything,” Khera told reporters.
Addressing the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju affirmed that the government was ready to discuss the NEET-UG paper leak at the earliest, calling on opposition parties to help frame an agenda without wasting further legislative hours.
“For three days, the government has formally offered to hold discussions. The government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. The discussion will happen based on the rules, including its duration. A meeting with floor leaders of all parties should take place to decide when and how the discussion will be conducted,” Rijiju said in the Lower House.
Speaking to reporters later, Rijiju stressed that a debate should not take place “just for the sake of it,” asserting that the government wants a fruitful exchange on a matter concerning the nation’s youth.
“From Day 1, we have informed opposition leaders, the Speaker, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman that the government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak and all linked issues. But the specific rule under which this discussion takes place needs to be decided. A positive discussion should take place through established systems. The steps taken by the government on this issue should also be brought before the public,” Rijiju said, adding, “If we don’t discuss it, how will the public know what action the government has taken? We have formally stated again that there should be no delay on this issue.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reiterated that the government is prepared for the debate and invited floor leaders to finalise the agenda. However, amid continued uproar from opposition members, the House was adjourned till 2:00 PM.
Earlier, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal stated that the Opposition unanimously agreed to press for a debate through an adjournment motion while demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
“Today morning, we held discussions with opposition parties. We decided very clearly–for the last three days–that we are continuously moving adjournment motions on the NEET-CBSE exam leak issue, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a proper action plan to stop future leaks,” Venugopal said, adding that the Opposition remains ready for a debate provided the government accepts the adjournment motion.
Separately, opposition MPs staged a protest within the Parliament premises wearing black attire to register their dissent against the government.
Key leaders, including Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, participated in the demonstration.
Reiterating her support for student activists during the protest, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Students have a genuine struggle and are asking for their rights. Paper leaks are occurring repeatedly. There is nothing undemocratic about peaceful protest, but what is happening to students and inside Parliament is truly undemocratic.” (ANI)
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