The deadlock over the alleged NEET paper leak continued to disrupt proceedings in the Lok Sabha on Friday, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging the Opposition to allow a discussion on the issue while opposition parties remained firm on their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The impasse led to another day of disruptions, with the House being adjourned amid slogan-shouting by Opposition members. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Rijiju appealed to Opposition parties to participate in a debate, arguing that refusing to discuss the matter would send the wrong message to the public.

"Not holding a debate on NEET will send a wrong message to the country," he said, adding that the government was prepared for a detailed discussion and that Opposition members should not impose preconditions before participating. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the government had repeatedly reached out to Opposition parties, including the Congress, to facilitate a debate. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement on measures to tackle paper leaks, Rijiju said the Centre had already assured the country that it would introduce a new law and establish fast-track courts to ensure swift action against those involved in examination-related irregularities.

Rijiju also referred to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike after receiving assurances from the government, saying it reflected progress in addressing concerns raised over the issue.  He urged members to begin a discussion in the House instead of allowing continued disruptions to Parliament's functioning. However, the Congress and other Opposition parties maintained that they would not participate in a debate unless Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Opposition MPs continued raising slogans of "Istifa Do" (Resign) in the House, reiterating that ministerial accountability was essential before any discussion could take place. 

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Their protests forced repeated interruptions, eventually leading to the adjournment of proceedings for the day. The NEET paper leak controversy has emerged as one of the biggest issues in the ongoing Parliament session, with the Opposition accusing the government of failing to safeguard the integrity of competitive examinations. The ruling side has maintained that it is ready for a comprehensive discussion and has highlighted the steps being taken to strengthen laws against examination fraud. The Lok Sabha has now witnessed repeated disruptions over the issue for five consecutive days, preventing normal legislative business from taking place.

Both the government and the Opposition have remained firm on their respective positions, with neither side showing signs of compromise despite attempts at outreach by senior ministers. As the standoff continues, attention will remain on whether the government and Opposition can reach a consensus to resume parliamentary business. With the Centre proposing legislative measures to combat paper leaks and the Opposition insisting on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, the NEET controversy is expected to remain at the centre of political debate in the coming days.

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