“Speaker sir, we had appealed yesterday (Wednesday) as well and do so through you today; we have personally spoken to Congress and other Opposition leaders too. We have also invited them to make suggestions to us,” Rijiju said. “In regard to the NEET paper leak, both in this House and the Rajya Sabha, in whichever way the Opposition wants, on what date and for whatever duration, the government is ready for a discussion,” he said.

In Rajya Sabha too, as soon as the proceedings began, Rijiju said the Opposition should not make a discussion on NEET incumbent on conditions. He said all parties, including NDA parties, had demanded a discussion on NEET.

The Opposition MPs raised slogans against paper leaks as well as the theft of donations at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple. (Special arrangement photo)

Responding to Rijiju, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the Education Minister must resign before any discussion on paper leaks. Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan adjourned the proceedings till 12 noon. After the proceedings resumed, Kharge said the government should make a statement on the demands for Pradhan’s ouster and on the lathicharge and injuries faced by the protesters. As the chaos continued, the proceedings were adjourned till 2 PM. Proceedings then resumed amid slogans but the House was adjourned again until 3 pm.

After the Upper House re-assembled at 3 pm, Deputy Chairman Harivansh allowed Kharge to speak. Kharge began reading poetic remarks from a written text, which implied the Opposition would take on any challenge in the interest of the nation. Harivansh did not allow Kharge to speak further, saying he allowed the LoP to speak only to break the deadlock and start a discussion on the NEET issue, to which the government had already agreed. Within a few minutes, the Upper House was adjourned till 11 am on Friday.