‘Come to Parliament’: BJP challenges Opposition as NEET row sparks fresh political battle
New Delhi: The NEET paper leak controversy escalated into a fresh political confrontation on Thursday, with the BJP and Congress accusing each other of avoiding accountability and using the issue for political gains.
BJP president Nitin Nabin said the NDA government was prepared to discuss the NEET issue and other concerns related to students in Parliament, while alleging that the opposition was avoiding a debate because it feared questions over its stand would be raised.
The remarks came after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of failing to protect students' interests and allowing problems in the education system to continue.
BJP says government ready for Parliament discussion
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament complex, Nitin Nabin said the government was willing to hold discussions on NEET, examination reforms and issues affecting students.
He challenged the opposition to participate in a debate, saying the government was prepared to answer questions on the floor of the House.
The BJP president also alleged that opposition parties were avoiding discussion because their position would be questioned during a parliamentary debate. He further accused the Congress of misleading young people, claims that the party has rejected.
Opposition continues demand for action
The Congress has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government must take responsibility for the examination controversy.
Rahul Gandhi said students' demands included the removal of the education minister, an apology to affected students and action against those accused of attacking protesters.
Congress leaders have also raised concerns over alleged police action during student protests and demanded accountability for the handling of demonstrations.
Parliament witnesses rival protests
Both ruling party and opposition MPs held separate protests inside the Parliament complex on Thursday, with members of both sides raising slogans against each other.
The demonstrations took place outside the Makar Dwar area, adding to tensions between the government and opposition during the ongoing parliamentary session.
While the government said it wanted a structured discussion inside Parliament, opposition parties continued to insist that accountability and action should come before further proceedings.
Government highlights action against accused
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said authorities had already taken action against individuals accused in the NEET paper leak case and maintained that the government was committed to ensuring justice for students.
She accused the opposition of using disruptions as a political strategy and said discussions should take place inside Parliament.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also said the government would take strict action against those found guilty of examination-related irregularities.
CJP protest remains part of wider NEET agitation
The political developments came amid the ongoing protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and calling for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would continue engaging with students to understand their concerns.
The protests gained further attention after clashes during the CJP's Chalo Sansad march, following which student organisations and opposition parties intensified their criticism of the government's handling of the issue.
Fast-track courts announced for paper leak cases
The political debate followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that fast-track courts would be established to ensure quicker punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described the decision as a step towards addressing demands for faster action against those accused of examination-related crimes.
However, opposition parties have continued to argue that accountability should also include responsibility from government officials overseeing the examination system.
Political battle over NEET issue continues
The NEET controversy has now expanded beyond examination concerns into a wider political dispute involving the government, opposition parties and student organisations.
While the Centre has maintained that it is willing to discuss the matter and take action against those found guilty, opposition parties continue to demand stronger accountability and responsibility from those in charge of the education system.
The next developments are expected to depend on whether the government and opposition reach an agreement over the format and timing of a parliamentary discussion on the issue.