Govt ready to debate NEET, Opposition not: Kiren Rijiju

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, on Wednesday August 12 accused the Congress of "running away" from a debate on students' protests over the NEET paper leak, saying it is "unthinkable and incomprehensible" that the Opposition would shun a talk when the government is ready to respond.

"I am totally frustrated and I am seeing for the first time where the government is ready for discussion, the opposition is running away," Rijiju told reporters.

The remarks came against the backdrop of Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to consult the Opposition on holding a debate on the students' protests over the NEET paper leak and consequent protests, saying he is ready to answer all questions in the House.

The home minister's remarks came just a day before the Monsoon Session comes to an end.

Disruptions marred both Houses of Parliament throughout the current session.

Protests and sloganeering by the Opposition initially started over the NEET paper leak and extended to alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Speaking to reporters in his office in Parliament House complex, Rijiju said, "The home minister is ready for the discussion. He has prepared the reply. They are running away. The whole world is watching it. He is waiting and ready to give his reply."

Rijiju said the government has nothing to hide.

"I am saying even today, agree to it. Even if the Congress agrees to the debate tomorrow at 11 am, we will increase the time. We are ready for the discussion," Rijiju said.

"The government is ready, but can you imagine that the Opposition is not ready? It is not good for democracy. It is the responsibility of the government and the opposition," he said.

The BJP leader said the government has a responsibility, and so do the opposition parties.

"Here the government itself is saying that we will have discussion and give replies, and the opposition does not want to hear the answers and is running away. Can you imagine such a situation?" he said.