Opposition parties have decided not to participate in any parliamentary debate on the NEET paper leak controversy until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Congress MP K.C. Venugopal said the decision was conveyed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla following a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders in Parliament. According to him, most Opposition parties backed the common stand, making Pradhan’s resignation a precondition for any discussion on the issue amid continuing nationwide student protests.

The Centre, however, has maintained that it is prepared to discuss the matter without any preconditions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is ready for a debate on the NEET issue in Parliament and urged the Opposition to participate. The BJP also criticised the Opposition’s position, arguing that Parliament is the appropriate forum to address concerns related to the examination controversy and student welfare.

BJP president Nitin Nabin accused the Opposition, including the Congress, of avoiding a discussion because it would expose what he described as its “double standards.” He challenged Opposition leaders to debate every issue concerning students and youth, including the NEET controversy, on the floor of the House, stating that the NDA government was prepared to answer all questions. Meanwhile, the political deadlock continues as both sides remain firm on their respective positions over the ongoing NEET paper leak row.