Centre Says Opposition’s Demand Was Accepted; Claims LoP Introduced New Condition on Education Minister’s Resignation
New Delhi, July 21 :
The Central Government on Tuesday said it is fully prepared to hold a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on the NEET examination controversy, while accusing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of changing his stand after the Centre agreed to the Opposition’s demand for a debate.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said he met Rahul Gandhi during the Congress protest near the Prime Minister’s residence and conveyed that the government had accepted the Opposition’s request for a parliamentary discussion on the NEET issue.
According to Dr. Singh, after the Centre agreed to the debate, Rahul Gandhi reportedly introduced a fresh demand, insisting that the discussion should also include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Minister alleged that this condition had not been part of the Opposition’s original demand.
Dr. Singh further claimed that when Rahul Gandhi was reminded that changing the terms after the government had accepted the demand was not appropriate, the Congress leader replied that it was his prerogative. The Union Minister described the response as regrettable and said such an approach was inconsistent with democratic parliamentary traditions.
The Minister also said Rahul Gandhi was requested to withdraw the sit-in protest, as the location was not an authorised protest venue and was causing inconvenience to the public. He alleged that despite being informed by senior officials about the situation, the Leader of Opposition chose to continue the demonstration.
The political exchange comes amid the ongoing row over the alleged NEET paper leak, which has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session. Opposition parties have been demanding an extensive discussion on the examination controversy while also raising concerns over the alleged police action against students protesting the issue. (KNC)