While the government had given clear indications that it is ready for a discussion, the main Opposition emphasized that it is possible only after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan puts in his papers, leading to a stalemate.
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When Congress raised thie issue in the Rajya Sabha soon after proceedings began on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that under Rule 267 all listed business be set aside and a discussion on the NEET paper leak be taken up.
“But a fair discussion on the NEET issue under Rule 267 would be possible only if the Education Minister quits. An impartial discussion will be possible only if he resigns first. Hence I request the government that they should get his resignation and then start a discussion under Rule 267. This is a democracy… they are beating up students…” Kharge said.
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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced in the House that the government is ready for a discussion on the issue.Leader of the House JP Nadda countered Kharge’s charge, terming the conduct of the INDI Alliance “highly irresponsible”.
“The anti-democratic activity of the Opposition can be seen clearly in the House. By breaching the decorum of the House they are repeatedly hurting democratic values… The government led by Narendra Modi is transparent and takes decisions in favour of the people… They (Opposition) has no faith towards democracy,” Nadda said.
The House was adjourned first till noon, then again till 2 pm. A third adjournment till 3 pm happened post-lunch.
When the House assembled again, T Siva (DMK) recalled the oft-repeated statement from the Chair that Rule 267 is invoked in the “rarest of rare cases” to assert that this is one such occasion.
Kharge backed Siva, and reminded Deputy Chairperson Harivansh of his previous rulings on Rule 267. “What can be more ‘rarest of the rare’ case than this? People are dying. Women and children are dying,” he said.
As the Congress members continued their protest, the House was adjourned for the day.
