Opposition Protests in Lok Sabha Over NEET Paper Leak Incident

Lok Sabha Disrupted by Opposition Protests

On Monday, members of the Congress party and other opposition groups created a ruckus in the Lok Sabha, demanding a response from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding police actions against students who protested in Delhi last week over the NEET question paper leak. This uproar led to the suspension of the house proceedings shortly after they began, with the session being adjourned until noon. Consequently, the question hour could not take place today either.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla warned some opposition members, who were causing the disruption near the podium, that action would be taken against those attempting to undermine the decorum and traditions of the house. As the session commenced, Birla acknowledged the achievements of Indian athletes, including weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won a gold medal at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, congratulating them on their success.

As Birla attempted to initiate the question hour, opposition members, including Congress, shouted slogans and approached the podium, insisting on a response from Amit Shah regarding the police's actions during the student protests in Delhi. Birla reiterated that only questions directed at the government would be entertained during the question hour, and no other issues could be raised.

He urged the protesting MPs to return to their seats and allow the question hour to proceed, stating, “India is the world's largest democracy. It is the responsibility of all members to uphold the decorum and procedures of this house.” He also warned some opposition members about their behavior, indicating it was not in line with the house's standards.

Birla emphasized, “You can engage in dialogue, discuss, and address important issues, but it is inappropriate to come here with placards.” When the noise continued, the Speaker adjourned the session until noon. The question hour could not be conducted today either. The monsoon session of Parliament began on July 20, and due to the uproar from opposition members regarding the NEET paper leak, the question hour has been disrupted for the entire past week.