Opposition Demands Education Minister Resignation Over NEET Paper Leaks

Opposition parties in India's Parliament have triggered a procedural stalemate in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Led by Mallikarjun Kharge, the opposition sought to invoke Rule 267 to suspend scheduled business for an immediate debate on the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and police brutality against student protesters. Kharge declared that no debate would occur until Pradhan steps down, while opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged demonstrations on Parliament premises wearing black attire.

The government, represented by Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the House JP Nadda, maintained that it is ready to discuss the leaks through established rules but refused the Rule 267 request. Nadda condemned the opposition's conduct as irresponsible and anti-democratic. Meanwhile, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj defended the administration, noting that the Central Bureau of Investigation has already arrested 13 individuals in connection with the leaks.

The tensions follow a July 20 protest march organized by the Cockroach Janata Party, where Delhi Police used lathi charges and tear gas to stop students from reaching Parliament. Several senior opposition leaders were detained and taken to Chhatrasal Stadium. On July 22, the Supreme Court of India declined an urgent request for an early hearing regarding the police actions, with Chief Justice Surya Kant refusing to examine video evidence of the brutality at the mentioning stage.