Rahul Gandhi demands immediate NEET discussion in Parliament, says 'govt and opposition should speak together for students'
New Delhi/IBNS: LoP Rahul Gandhi on Friday demanded an immediate discussion on the controversy over the paper leak incidents in the NEET-UG stating a message that the government and opposition are discussing the issue for students should go from Parliament.
Speaking to the media, Gandhi, a Congress MP, said, "Yesterday, a meeting of floor leaders of all opposition parties was held and it was agreed upon by all that the issue of NEET should be discussed in the House.
"I request the Prime Minister that this is a youth issue and it should be discussed in a proper manner. You should also join the discussion, because this is a youth issue. This message should go out from the Parliament that the Government and the Opposition of India are talking together about the students."
कल सभी विपक्षी दल के फ्लोर लीडर्स की बैठक हुई और सभी के साथ यह सहमति बनी कि सदन में NEET के मुद्दे पर चर्चा हो।
— Congress (@INCIndia) June 28, 2024
मैं प्रधानमंत्री जी से अनुरोध करता हूं कि यह युवाओं का मुद्दा है और इस पर उचित तरीके से चर्चा होनी चाहिए। आप भी चर्चा में शामिल हों, क्योंकि यह युवाओं का मामला है।… pic.twitter.com/iHSbzwibQF
However, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned till 12 noon following a ruckus after Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the discussion in the respective Houses of Parliament.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said definite time will be given to the Opposition to raise the issue while Gandhi remained firm on speaking on it briefly in the beginning.
Meanwhile, the government is ready to answer any questions on the matter even if it comes up during the debate, NDTV reported quoting sources.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday carried out the first arrests in the NEET-UG paper leak case in Bihar, detaining two accused from Patna named Manish Kumar and Ashutosh.
According to CBI sources, Manish Kumar allegedly transported students in his car and arranged accommodation for about two dozen students implicated in the scandal, while Ashutosh is accused of providing lodging for the students at his home, reported NDTV.
The controversy arose when 67 students achieved perfect scores of 720 in the NEET-UG exam.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) said this happened as some candidates were awarded grace marks due to a faulty question and logistical delays in paper distribution at some centers.
However, a Bihar Police investigation revealed that the exam paper had been leaked to a select group of candidates.
The NEET-UG exam, taken by nearly 24 lakh aspiring medical students, was held on May 5, and the results were released on June 4.
Despite the NTA's efforts to manage the situation, allegations of a widespread leak continued with protests and legal actions nationwide.
The Supreme Court also got involved, slamming the NTA for its handling of the issue.