A political deadlock over the leak of the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Undergraduate) examination paper continued to disrupt proceedings in the Indian Parliament on July 22, as opposition parties renewed calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The government maintained its readiness for a full parliamentary debate but rejected opposition demands it described as “new conditions,” prolonging the impasse.

In both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, sessions were repeatedly adjourned amid heated exchanges. The Rajya Sabha was ultimately adjourned for the day, with no resolution reached. Opposition members pushed for a discussion under Rule 267, which permits the suspension of listed business to address urgent matters, insisting the debate could not proceed fairly unless Pradhan stepped down. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the necessity of the minister’s resignation before meaningful dialogue could occur.

The government, through Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, rejected the resignation demand, asserting the Centre’s willingness to discuss the issue from the beginning and accusing the opposition of shifting demands that hindered progress.

Outside Parliament, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified criticism of the government’s handling of the education system. At a press conference, Gandhi described the education sector as “rigged” and accused the government of neglecting millions of students. He alleged that over the past decade, 152 examination paper leaks had affected approximately 75 million students and their families, with no convictions in connection to these incidents.

Gandhi labeled Pradhan “incompetent” and “corrupt” and urged his removal from office. He also called for accountability for those responsible for the examination leaks, police action against protesters, and an apology from the prime minister to the affected students. Highlighting the financial burden on families, Gandhi claimed that NEET-related expenses amount to around Rs1.32 trillion annually—nearly equivalent to the Union government’s entire annual education budget of Rs1.4 trillion.

Meanwhile, protests have escalated outside the parliamentary precinct. Delhi Police reported that an Assistant Commissioner of Police sustained a head injury after being struck by a stone during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. In response to petitions alleging excessive use of force during the July 20 protest, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the central government and Delhi Police, instructing them to preserve electronic evidence related to the incident.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, engaged in an indefinite fast demanding Pradhan’s resignation, stated he would end his protest only if the government assured no punitive action would be taken against students involved in demonstrations.

Separately, police detained a supporter of the Cockroach Janta Party in Ahmedabad during protest-related activities. The fallout from the NEET paper leak continues to reverberate across India’s political and social landscape as calls for accountability and systemic reform grow louder.