Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 24: A fresh confrontation erupted between the Centre and the Opposition in Parliament on Friday over the alleged NEET paper leak and the ongoing student protests, with Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi claiming that he was not allowed to respond in the House because his microphone was switched off.

The allegation came after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of avoiding a discussion on the examination paper leak and other education-related issues during the Monsoon Session.

Earlier, Rijiju had appealed to all political parties, particularly the Opposition, to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and jointly decide on the date, duration and rules for holding a discussion on the NEET controversy instead of delaying the proceedings.

The Opposition, while demanding a debate on the issue, has insisted that the government first accept its adjournment motion to facilitate the discussion.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi alleged that parliamentary convention was not followed when he attempted to respond to Rijiju's remarks.

“Just now, Rijiju made a statement saying that he wants us to ask our MPs to allow a discussion. Under normal protocol, if someone mentions your name, you are given an opportunity to respond. But when I tried to speak, my microphone was switched off and I was not allowed to reply,” Gandhi claimed.

The Congress leader reiterated that the Opposition would not participate in any discussion unless its key demands were addressed.

“Our stand is based on three demands raised by the students. First, the Education Minister must resign. Second, action should be taken against those responsible for attacking students during the protests. Third, the Prime Minister should apologise to the students,” he said.

Gandhi further asserted that the Opposition would not engage in any debate in Parliament until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was removed from office.

“We are not going to have any conversation or discussion before Mr. Pradhan is sacked. That's our position,” he said.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar supported Gandhi's allegation, describing the proceedings in the Lok Sabha as disappointing.

“The way the Chair conducted the proceedings today was surprising and unfortunate. The Leader of the Opposition was not allowed to speak, which is undemocratic. I do not understand why the government does not want the Opposition to present its views,” he said.

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also backed the Opposition's position, rejecting suggestions that there was a stalemate from its side.

“There is no deadlock from the Opposition. We want the Education Minister to resign and a discussion to take place so that the matter can move forward. It is the government that is unwilling to listen because of its arrogance,” she said.

She added that Dharmendra Pradhan should step down on moral grounds.

Congress MP Kumari Selja echoed similar sentiments, saying the government's response to the student protests had raised serious concerns.

“Our demands arise from the way students were treated. The action against them was extremely harsh. Similar treatment was meted out to our party members as well. We are demanding that the FIRs registered against peaceful protesters be withdrawn and that the Education Minister resign,” she said.

The Centre has maintained that it is prepared for a discussion on the issue, while the Opposition continues to insist that accountability over the examination controversy must precede any debate in Parliament.