New Delhi: Political tension over NEET intensified on Wednesday as Congress members and other Opposition leaders staged a fresh protest outside Parliament on a day following Rahul Gandhi’s leadership of the opposition leaders being arrested during a dramatic dharna outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
Congress MPs arrived at Parliament dressed in black and gathered near the gate to protest against the government’s handling of the NEET issue and police action against student protesters in the national capital.
The demonstration was witnessed by MPs from various Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party. SP leaders wore black scarves as a sign of protest.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had also joined the Congress-led protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday and was detained along with Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders.
The opposition is calling for discussions in Parliament on NEET and the alleged police crackdown on students protesting in Delhi earlier this week. But Congress leaders on Wednesday made it clear that they want the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any discussion takes place.
“Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign first, then there will be discussion. After the lathi charge on so many students, what will be the discussion now? Dharmendra Pradhan must resign,” said Congress MP Pawan Khera.
Government Agrees To Parliament Discussion
According to NDTV, sources said the government has agreed to allow for discussion on the NEET issue in both Houses of Parliament.
We expect the rules and procedures for the debate to be determined by the Speaker after consultations with the heads of the various political parties.
This may also mean a parliamentary clash over the examination system, student protests and the use of force by the police.
But the opposition has continued to insist that the Education Minister must first step down.
Rahul Gandhi’s Five Demands
Rahul Gandhi accused the government of using students as political pawns in the protest and demanded accountability from the government for the NEET controversy.
The Congress leader presented five demands to the government, including the resignation of Amit Shah and Dharmendra Pradhan, action against police officials accused of assaulting students and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Congress also wants individuals held accountable for the alleged irregularities in NEET and the police action in the student protests.
BJP Hits Back
The Bharatiya Janata Party has rejected the Congress’s allegations and accused Rahul Gandhi of using student concerns as “ammunition for his politics.”
The BJP also announced plans to organise protests outside Congress offices across the country in response to the Congress-led dharna outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
The recent changes have turned the NEET issue into a major political struggle in the Monsoon session of Parliament.
The government seems willing to allow a discussion but the opposition insists on the Education Minister’s resignation before the debate, which could cause more chaos.
The NEET controversy is expected to remain one of the biggest flashpoints of the Parliament session and yet again will be the topic of high political tension with both sides set for more protests and political mobilisation.
