Lok Sabha proceedings were disrupted for the fifth consecutive working day on Friday as tensions continued between the government and the Opposition over demands for accountability in the NEET paper leak controversy. Opposition parties remained firm on their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the government urged lawmakers to allow a discussion on the issue inside Parliament.

When the House reconvened at noon after an earlier adjournment, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government had repeatedly approached Opposition parties and requested them to participate in a debate on the examination controversy. Addressing Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said several Opposition members were in favour of allowing a discussion and urged Gandhi to convince his party colleagues to cooperate.

Rijiju argued that attaching conditions before allowing a debate would send a negative message to the public. He said the government was ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue and that avoiding a parliamentary debate would not serve the interests of students or the country. The minister emphasized that Parliament should provide a platform for addressing concerns through discussion rather than continued disruptions.

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The Parliamentary Affairs Minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that the government would introduce stricter measures against examination paper leaks. He highlighted plans for stronger laws and fast-track courts to deal with those accused of involvement in such cases. Rijiju also mentioned that activist Sonam Wangchuk had ended his hunger strike after discussions surrounding the issue.

During the proceedings, Rahul Gandhi sought an opportunity to speak, but Chair Jagdambika Pal said he would be allowed to address the House after the completion of the minister’s scheduled parliamentary business. However, before the discussion could proceed, the House was adjourned for the day and will now meet again on Monday.

The continued disruption has intensified the political confrontation over the NEET controversy, with the Opposition pressing for ministerial accountability while the government insists on discussing reforms and legal measures to prevent future examination irregularities. The coming sessions are expected to determine whether both sides can reach an agreement to allow normal parliamentary functioning.

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