Opposition Seeks Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Ahead Of NEET Discussion

The Opposition on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any discussion on the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament, while the government maintained that it was ready for a debate on the matter. The disagreement led to heated exchanges between ruling and Opposition members during proceedings in the Rajya Sabha.

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that a discussion on the NEET controversy could not take place unless Pradhan stepped down from his position. He argued that the Education Minister’s resignation was necessary to ensure a fair debate and accountability over allegations of examination irregularities affecting students across the country.

Responding to the Opposition’s demand, Union Minister and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda said the government was not avoiding a discussion. He said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had already made it clear that the Centre was prepared to discuss all important issues, including the NEET paper leak allegations.

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Rijiju said the government had maintained since the beginning of the Monsoon Session that it was willing to hold discussions on the issue. He accused the Opposition of making excuses to delay the debate and said the government was “100 per cent ready” to discuss the matter. He added that the format and timing of the discussion could be decided after consultations under the guidance of the Chair.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also supported the demand for Pradhan’s resignation before discussions begin. He said students had raised concerns over the examination system and insisted that the government should first provide an assurance regarding accountability before moving ahead with parliamentary debate.

The dispute comes amid continuing protests over the NEET paper leak issue, with demonstrations gaining momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined a hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party-led movement has organised protests across cities and university campuses, while a large demonstration in New Delhi recently saw clashes between protesters and police as demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. The government and Opposition remain divided over the conditions for holding a detailed discussion on the controversy.

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