Parliament Monsoon Session 2026: Opposition Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation as NEET Row Disrupts Both Houses

The fourth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed fresh disruptions as the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition remained locked in a confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned shortly after proceedings began amid continuous sloganeering and protests from Opposition members.

While the government reiterated its willingness to hold a discussion on the issue, Opposition parties maintained that no debate could take place until the Education Minister stepped down.

Government Says Ready for Discussion

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha that the government was prepared to discuss the NEET controversy immediately and urged the Opposition not to attach preconditions.

He said all NDA partners had agreed to a debate and accused the Congress of attempting to stall parliamentary proceedings by insisting on the resignation of the Education Minister before discussions could begin.

Rijiju also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, saying the government had already initiated measures to ensure speedy justice and protect students' interests.

Opposition Insists on Education Minister's Resignation

The Opposition remained firm on its demand that Dharmendra Pradhan resign before any discussion on the issue.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated that the resignation of the Education Minister was essential for meaningful discussions to take place.

Opposition leaders argued that accountability must precede parliamentary debate on examination reforms and alleged irregularities.

Parliament Proceedings Disrupted

As protests intensified, both Houses were repeatedly adjourned.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned shortly after reconvening, while the Rajya Sabha also witnessed disruptions that prevented normal legislative business from proceeding.

The continuing deadlock has affected the government's legislative agenda, including the introduction and discussion of key Bills scheduled for the session.

Protests Continue Inside Parliament

Outside the House proceedings, Members of Parliament from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc staged separate demonstrations at Makar Dwar within the Parliament complex.

Senior Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sonia Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, joined the INDIA bloc protest demanding accountability over the NEET controversy.

Meanwhile, NDA MPs also organised a counter-protest in support of the government's position.

Priyanka Gandhi Calls for Dialogue With Students

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged the government to engage directly with protesting students instead of responding through police action.

She said students had lost confidence in the examination system and called for the restoration of trust through meaningful dialogue and reforms.

Priyanka Gandhi also repeated the Opposition's demand for the resignation of the Education Minister.

Opposition Raises Additional Parliamentary Issues

Apart from the NEET controversy, several opposition parties submitted notices seeking discussions on education reforms and related matters.

Key developments included:

• DMK moved adjournment motions in both Houses seeking discussion on the abolition of NEET.
• AAP MP Sanjay Singh sought suspension of business in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the alleged paper leak, police action against protesters and activist Sonam Wangchuk.
• Congress MP Hibi Eden moved a privilege motion alleging a breach of parliamentary privilege following the alleged attack on Rahul Gandhi during a recent protest.

Political Standoff Continues

The fourth day of the Monsoon Session highlighted the continuing political deadlock over the examination controversy.

While the government maintains it is prepared to debate the issue without conditions, Opposition parties insist that ministerial accountability must come first.

With neither side showing signs of compromise, further disruptions are expected unless a consensus is reached.

Key Highlights

• Both Houses of Parliament were repeatedly adjourned over the NEET controversy.
• The government said it is ready to discuss the issue without preconditions.
• The Opposition continues to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• Kiren Rijiju urged parties not to delay the debate by imposing conditions.
• NDA and INDIA bloc MPs staged separate protests inside Parliament.
• Several opposition parties moved notices seeking discussions on education reforms and examination issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was Parliament disrupted?

Opposition parties demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak before agreeing to any discussion.

What did Kiren Rijiju say?

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said the government is ready to discuss the NEET issue immediately but without any preconditions.

What is the Opposition demanding?

The Opposition wants the Education Minister to resign before Parliament debates the examination controversy.

What protests took place inside Parliament?

MPs from both the NDA and the INDIA bloc held separate demonstrations at Makar Dwar within the Parliament complex.

What did Priyanka Gandhi say?

She urged the government to engage directly with protesting students and reiterated the demand for the Education Minister's resignation.

What other issues were raised?

Opposition parties also sought discussions on examination reforms, the abolition of NEET, police action against protesters and parliamentary privilege issues.