Not holding NEET debate will send wrong message to country: Rijiju in Lok Sabha

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi, on July 24, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday (July 24, 2026) urged the Opposition to let a debate take place in the Lok Sabha over the NEET paper ‘leak’ issue, asserting that any excuse made by them would send a wrong signal to the country.However, the Congress and other Opposition parties continued to insist on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Parliament Monsoon Session Day 5 LIVE updates - July 24, 2026Making a statement in the House, Mr. Rijiju said the government has repeatedly approached Opposition parties, including the Congress, to let debate take place in Parliament.He said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself assured people that there will be a law in place on paper leaks and that fast track courts will be set up to clear such cases, the Opposition should not attach “pre-conditions”.The Minister also noted that activist Sonam Wangchuk has broken his fast and the House should begin a debate on the subject.However, Opposition members kept insisting on the resignation of Mr. Pradhan and shouted slogans like "Istifa Do" (Tender resignation) following which the proceedings were adjourned for the day.For the past five days, the House has been witnessing repeated adjournments due to opposition protest over the NEET paper ‘leak’ issue. Published - July 24, 2026 01:17 pm IST