The second week of the 18th Lok Sabha’s first session promises a fiery start, with Opposition MPs poised to confront the NDA government on critical issues. Among these, the irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Agnipath scheme take center stage. In addition to the ongoing paper leak controversy and inflation concerns, the opposition parties are also raising alarms about unemployment in India.
The Lok Sabha session on Friday adjourned until Monday, July 1, amidst uproar. The discussion on the conduct of the NEET medical entrance exam and other central competitive exams triggered heated debates. INDIA bloc members demanded an adjournment motion to prioritize discussing the paper leak issue.
Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House first until noon and then extended it to July 1. The Parliament session today holds several key points:
NEET Issue: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasized the significance of the NEET issue for the entire country. However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla disallowed a discussion on NEET, citing the upcoming Motion of Thanks on the President’s address. This decision sparked further uproar among opposition MPs.
Rajya Sabha Protests: The Rajya Sabha witnessed vigorous protests during the debate. The opposition demanded a discussion on the NEET row, and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge even trooped into the Well of the House to join fellow members.
INDIA Bloc’s Strategy: As the House reconvenes, INDIA bloc leaders are expected to attack the NDA government on various fronts, including the Agnipath scheme, inflation, and unemployment. They also seek a debate under Rule 267 of the Parliament specifically on the NEET issue.
Debate Schedule: In the Lok Sabha, BJP member Anurag Thakur will initiate the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address. First-term Lok Sabha member Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of BJP stalwart late Sushma Swaraj, will second the motion. The discussion spans 16 hours in the lower house, culminating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha has scheduled 21 hours for the same purpose.
As the Parliament convenes, tensions rise, and the battle between the NDA and INDIA blocs plays out, altering the path of crucial national debates.