The fifth day of the Parliament session saw heightened activity in both Houses as Congress MPs from the Opposition-led INDIA bloc moved adjournment motions to discuss the alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Speaker Om Birla adjourned the Lok Sabha until 12 pm, assuring that “the government will answer” all questions during the discussion on the President’s address.
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Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasised the urgency of the debate, stating it concerns “the students and the youth of the country.”
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha Chair and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar rejected the motion in the Upper House.
The decision to push for this discussion was made during a meeting held at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Thursday. In the same meeting, leaders of the INDIA bloc also planned a protest for Monday morning (July 1) before parliamentary proceedings commence.
This protest aims to address what they describe as “political vendetta” against Opposition leaders, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, and three West Bengal ministers, by agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and the I-T department.
Also Read: NSUI protesters storm NTA office in Delhi amid NEET row, lock it from inside
In another development, sources revealed that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is considering the appointment of a Deputy Speaker in the Lok Sabha, a position that has been vacant during the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024).
While the NDA has not outright rejected the Opposition’s claim to the post, it has criticized their insistence on having their nominee fill the role. Speculation suggests the position might be offered to an ally within the ruling alliance, although the Telugu Desam Party, BJP’s largest ally, has expressed no interest in the role.