Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 23: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday accused the Opposition of trying to avoid a discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak by imposing pre-conditions, while asserting that the government was fully prepared to debate the issue in Parliament.

Responding to the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rijiju told the Lok Sabha that the government would present its stand during the discussion and had nothing to hide.

He said Opposition members could speak for as long as they wished and that the debate could continue for up to two days if required.

Rijiju further said the Opposition was free to decide the date and duration of the discussion in both Houses of Parliament, adding that the government had already approached the Congress and other Opposition parties to facilitate the debate.

His remarks came after the Lok Sabha reassembled at noon following an earlier adjournment.

However, amid continued protests by Opposition members over the alleged NEET paper leak, the proceedings were again disrupted and the House was adjourned till 2 pm.

Earlier during Question Hour, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla appealed to members to allow the House to function, stressing the importance of completing the scheduled business before taking up other issues.

"Question Hour is the most important part of the proceedings. After Question Hour, the House is ready to discuss every issue. I will speak to the government, and the government is also ready for discussions. I appeal to all members to participate in the discussion after Question Hour," Birla said.

Meanwhile, senior Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, met the Lok Sabha Speaker amid repeated disruptions over the demand for a debate on the NEET paper leak issue.

Trinamool Congress MPs Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra were also present at the meeting.