Lok Sabha adjourned as Opposition demands NEET discussion

New Delhi: Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned on Friday after the Opposition parties demanded a discussion on the alleged irregularities, including paper leak, in the conduct of NEET-UG.

As soon as the House met, Opposition members were on their feet demanding suspension of all listed business to discuss matters related to NEET irregularities.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said NEET issue is very important for the country and the Opposition wants a dedicated discussion on the matter. Hence, the adjournment motion should be accepted, he said. "Parliament should send a message to the youth that the government and Opposition are together in raising the concerns of students. I urge PM Modi to hold respectful and good discussion on the NEET issue in Parliament as it concerns the country's youth," he added.

However, Speaker Om Birla said he cannot allow it as the House is scheduled to discuss the motion of thanks on the President's address. "You can raise all matters in the debate on the motion of thanks on the President's address. You will get enough time. But I can't allow you to raise any other issue during the motion of thanks. It was already decided and mentioned in the bulletin too," he said.

With the Opposition unrelenting, the uproar continued and the Speaker adjourned the House till noon. When the House reassembled, Opposition members continued with their demand. Opposition MPs entered the well and the House was adjourned for the day.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju told Opposition MPs that they can discuss the matter during the motion of thanks to the President's address. Amid din, Trinamool MP SK Nurul Islam took oath as a Lok Sabha member.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the Centre is ready for every kind of discussion but it should happen within tradition and decorum of Parliament. He added the government is not going to spare those behind NEET irregularities and appealed to the Opposition not to confuse students.