As Parliament reconvenes on Monday, July 1, a series of heated debates are expected to unfold. The opposition is set to focus on a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing NEET paper leak controversy, the Agnipath initiative, and inflation. Additionally, concerns about unemployment are likely to be raised.
In the Lok Sabha, BJP member and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur will initiate the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address, with first-term Lok Sabha member Bansuri Swaraj seconding the motion. In the Rajya Sabha, 21 hours have been allocated for the debate, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to reply on Wednesday. The Lok Sabha has set aside 16 hours for the debate, concluding with the Prime Minister’s reply on Tuesday.
The NEET-UG paper leak controversy has significantly impacted parliamentary proceedings. The NEET-UG exam, conducted by the NTA on May 5, saw around 24 lakh candidates appear. The results were announced on June 4, but allegations of question paper leaks in states such as Bihar, along with other irregularities, have sparked significant controversy.
Opposition members of the INDIA bloc forced an adjournment in the Lok Sabha on Friday, demanding a dedicated discussion on the NEET issue. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed vociferous protests, with opposition members, including Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, calling for a discussion on the NEET row.
Amid the sloganeering in the Rajya Sabha, Congress member Phulo Devi Netam from Chhattisgarh fainted while raising slogans, apparently due to high blood pressure. She was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Opposition members criticized the government for not adjourning the House proceedings and showing a lack of concern for the health of a Rajya Sabha member.
The debates and discussions are expected to be intense, reflecting the critical issues at hand and the opposition’s determination to hold the government accountable.