Opposition MPs Hold Black Dress Protest at Parliament Over NEET Row

Opposition parties continued their protest over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against student demonstrators by staging a black dress protest in the Parliament complex on Wednesday. The demonstration came a day after Congress leaders, led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, held a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, escalating the political confrontation over the issue during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Congress MPs arrived at Parliament dressed in black and gathered outside the entrance, where they were joined by leaders from several Opposition parties. Samajwadi Party MPs also participated in the protest by wearing black scarves. The Opposition raised slogans against the government and reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police crackdown on student protesters.

The Opposition has continued to press for a detailed discussion in Parliament on both the examination controversy and the police action against students in Delhi. However, Congress leaders maintained that any debate should take place only after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as Education Minister. Congress MP Pawan Khera said the minister must step down before any meaningful discussion can be held, citing the alleged use of force against protesting students.

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According to sources, the Centre has agreed in principle to hold discussions on the NEET controversy in both Houses of Parliament. The format and rules governing the debate are expected to be decided by the Speaker after consultations with leaders of various political parties. The government has repeatedly stated that it is prepared for a comprehensive discussion on the issue.

On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of failing to protect students and demanded the resignations of Dharmendra Pradhan and Amit Shah. He also called for action against police personnel accused of assaulting students during the protests and sought an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the handling of the demonstrations. The Opposition has argued that accountability and reforms are essential to restore confidence in the examination system.

The Bharatiya Janata Party rejected the allegations, accusing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of politicising the issue and using students for political purposes. The party has also announced plans to organise protests outside Congress offices across the country in response to the Opposition's demonstration outside the Prime Minister's residence, signalling that the political confrontation over the NEET controversy is likely to continue.

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