Parliament Reconvenes Amidst Tensions: NEET Paper Leak, Inflation, and New Criminal Laws Take Center Stage

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st July. Parliament resumes on Monday with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha preparing for intense debates on pressing national issues. Key topics include the controversy surrounding the NEET paper leak, concerns over inflation, and the recent implementation of new criminal laws.

Last Friday, the Lok Sabha’s proceedings were disrupted after Speaker Om Birla denied the Opposition’s request to prioritize a debate on the NEET paper leak before the Motion of Thanks. This decision led to a deadlock, resulting in the House being adjourned until today.

Today marks the implementation of three new criminal laws, a move that has stirred controversy. The Congress has criticized the passage of these laws amidst the suspension of 146 MPs from parliamentary proceedings. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the process as “bulldozer justice,” asserting that the INDIA bloc will resist such measures.

The NEET-UG examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 5 saw participation from approximately 24 lakh candidates. Allegations of question paper leaks emerged in states like Bihar after results were announced on June 4, triggering widespread protests.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the NEET-UG exam irregularities, culminating in the arrest of the principal of a private school in Gujarat’s Godhra. Six individuals have been arrested thus far in connection with the alleged malpractices.

When the Lok Sabha reconvenes today, BJP MP Anurag Thakur is expected to initiate the Motion of Thanks debate, which will be seconded by first-term MP Bansuri Swaraj. The debate is scheduled to span 16 hours, concluding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response on Tuesday.

Opposition MPs are poised to persist with their demands for a debate on the NEET controversy, alongside raising concerns about inflation and unemployment during the parliamentary session.

The Rajya Sabha mirrored the Lok Sabha’s tense atmosphere last Friday, with protests erupting demanding a debate on the NEET issue. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge actively participated in the protests, contributing to a tumultuous session.

During the protests, Congress MP Phulo Devi Netam collapsed due to high blood pressure, necessitating her transfer to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for medical attention.

Despite interruptions, the Rajya Sabha has allocated 21 hours for the Motion of Thanks debate, with Prime Minister Modi expected to respond on Wednesday.

Ahead of the session, Rahul Gandhi expressed his commitment to robust parliamentary discourse, highlighting the Leader of the Opposition’s role as India’s “strongest democratic tool” in addressing national concerns.