Why Did the Rajya Sabha Adjourn Amidst NEET Paper Leak Protests?

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday amid escalating tensions over the NEET paper leak issue, with the government accusing the Congress-led Opposition of obstructing discussions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress for creating conditions that hinder dialogue, while the Opposition demanded a debate under Rule 267 and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This situation has led to multiple adjournments over three days, as protests continue regarding police actions against students. Explore the unfolding political drama and its implications for the Parliament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 16:50 IST

Rajya Sabha Adjourns Amid Tensions Over NEET Paper Leak

New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha was suspended for the day on Wednesday after the government accused the Congress-led Opposition of imposing new conditions that hindered discussions regarding the NEET paper leak controversy.

As the Upper House convened at 3 PM following several adjournments, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the Chair, stating that the Congress party was misrepresenting its willingness to engage in dialogue. He emphasized that while the government was open to discussions, the Congress was creating obstacles by repeatedly presenting excuses.

Rijiju affirmed the government's readiness to address all matters, but noted that the Chairman would determine the appropriate rules for the debate.

Both DMK's Tiruchi Siva and Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged Harivansh, who was presiding over the session, to permit a discussion on the NEET paper leak under Rule 267, highlighting the exceptional nature of the situation.

In the midst of the chaos, Harivansh decided to adjourn the House for the day.

This marked the third consecutive day of multiple adjournments, as Opposition parties, led by Congress, disrupted proceedings in protest of the police's actions against students demonstrating over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

Although the government expressed its willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament, the Opposition insisted that the debate occur under Rule 267 and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan prior to any discussions.

Referencing historical precedents, Deputy Chairman Harivansh noted that Rule 267 had only been invoked in the House on extremely rare occasions over the past forty years.

Rule 267 allows a member, with the Chairman's approval, to request the suspension of scheduled business to address a matter of urgent public significance.

Earlier, Leader of the House J P Nadda criticized the Opposition, claiming that the INDI Alliance was behaving irresponsibly and undermining the dignity of Parliament.

Since the commencement of the monsoon session on Monday, no business has been conducted in the Rajya Sabha.