New Delhi, 23 July — Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) staged a demonstration at the Makar Dwar of Parliament on Thursday, accusing the Indian National Congress of deliberately disrupting proceedings and refusing to engage in a structured debate on NEET exam irregularities. The ruling alliance charged that Congress was 'wasting the valuable time of the House' while simultaneously 'running away' from the very discussion it claimed to demand.

What Triggered the Protest

The NDA action came as a direct counter to the Opposition's ongoing agitation over exam paper leaks, particularly the NEET controversy that has roiled the country's student community. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters on the Parliament premises that the government had made overtures to the Opposition the previous day. 'We had hoped that we would begin the discussion today on the NEET exam paper leak. Yesterday, we spoke to several Opposition leaders, including leaders of the Congress party, and everyone said that a way forward should be found. However, later, they once again started imposing conditions and making different excuses,' Rijiju said.

Key Voices from the NDA

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said the NDA's presence outside Parliament was a demand — not a disruption. 'Today, the MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the NDA are standing outside Parliament House, demanding that NEET and the education system should be discussed in Parliament, which Congress is not allowing to happen. The NDA government is fully sensitive regarding this issue,' he said. Trivedi also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stated resolve to set up fast-track courts for paper leak cases, adding, 'The respected Prime Minister has clearly stated today that nothing is more important than student interests.'

BJP MP Sambit Patra accused Congress of theatrical disruption. 'The Congress has repeatedly created such scenes both outside and inside Parliament by wearing black clothes and displaying banners and posters, wasting the valuable time of the House. Instead of discussing the issue that should be debated, the Congress is running away from it,' he said. Patra also called for in-depth parliamentary debate on paper leaks and the enactment of stronger laws to prevent recurrence.

BJP MP Tarun Chugh directed his remarks at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying: 'Rahul Gandhi, today the country is looking at you and towards the corrupt princes and princesses of the INDIA bloc. Why are you running away from discussion?'

Appeal to Students and Parliament

LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Arun Bharti argued that Parliament — not the streets — was the proper arena for accountability. 'Parliament is the biggest forum where you can question the government on every issue, debate your points, raise your voice, and pressurise the government to take action. But instead, you create disruptions on the streets, where you only become headlines, but no meaningful debate takes place,' he said.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey urged protesting students to return to their studies. 'Jantar Mantar is not the place for you. If you want to get into medical colleges, engineering colleges, or become an IAS or IPS officer, you have to go on the path of education and focus on your studies,' he said. Dubey also alleged, without naming them, that certain 'forces and lobbies' were attempting to exploit the student agitation for political ends.

Broader Context

The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered sustained protests across India, with students demanding accountability and systemic reform in competitive examination conduct. This is not the first time the Parliament's monsoon session has seen proceedings disrupted over the issue — opposition walkouts and slogan-shouting have punctuated multiple sittings. The NDA's counter-protest signals an escalation in the political battle over who is seen as the true champion of student welfare, with both sides seeking to frame the narrative ahead of state elections.