Opposition dodging NEET debate: Kiren Rijiju

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday accused the opposition parties of attaching pre-conditions to avoid a genuine debate on the NEET paper leak issue, as the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the fourth consecutive day.

The opposition has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before agreeing to discuss the matter. Rijiju told the House that the government wants to present its own position during any debate and is ready to let the discussion run as long as needed.

He said that the opposition members could speak for as long as they wanted, and that a debate could stretch across two days if necessary. Rijiju further added that the government has already reached out to the Congress and other opposition parties saying that the timing and duration of the discussion in both houses could be decided by the opposition itself.

The remarks came after the House met again at noon following an earlier adjournment. Opposition members resumed shouting slogans and holding up placards soon after proceedings restarted, with several lawmakers moving into the Well of the House.

Dilip Saika, who was presiding over the session, asked the protesting members to return to their seats, calling the disruptions inappropriate. Despite the appeal, the House was adjourned again within 10 minutes, shortly after papers listed for the day were laid.

Earlier, during Question Hour, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to let the House function, calling the session a critical part of the day's business. He said the government has indicated its willingness to hold discussions after Question Hour and appealed to all members to take part once that window opened.

Thursday marked the fourth straight day that Question Hour and Zero Hour were disrupted in the Lok Sabha as the opposition parties continued pressing for a dedicated debate on the NEET paper leak controversy and Pradhan's resignation.

Senior opposition figures including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav met with Birla on Thursday as the standoff over the debate continued. TMC leaders Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra were also part of the meeting.

The House was adjourned until 2 p.m. as the impasse persisted.

(with inputs from PTI)