Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on 20 July raised the NEET paper leak controversy and alleged police action against student protesters at Jantar Mantar, triggering a stormy opening to the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The Opposition accused the Centre of using force to silence dissent, while Delhi Police flatly denied any use of force on the ground.

Kharge's Charges on the Floor

Speaking in the Upper House, Kharge said the issue went to the heart of lakhs of students' futures. 'You have allowed me to put forth my views regarding this paper leak and the NEET examination scandal. I am speaking about the future of lakhs of children. Thousands of students have gathered at Jantar Mantar for this cause. A lathi-charge has taken place,' he said.

Kharge further alleged that 'the government is using force to suppress voices and drive them away,' pointing to the ongoing protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He demanded that students' voices be heard and that transparency in the examination system be ensured without delay.

Uproar and Adjournment in the House

Kharge's remarks triggered an immediate uproar, with treasury benches strongly objecting to his claims. Members from both the ruling side and the Opposition rose from their seats, shouting slogans and creating a highly charged atmosphere. The commotion escalated rapidly, prompting Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan to adjourn the proceedings.

This is not the first time the NEET controversy has disrupted Parliament — the issue has dominated public discourse for weeks, with student groups and Opposition parties alike demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and a fresh examination.

Delhi Police Denies Force Was Used

Even as the debate raged inside Parliament, Delhi Police pushed back against reports of a lathi-charge at Jantar Mantar. In a statement posted on X, the force said, 'Some segments from the media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place and the protest is being handled professionally.'

The contradictory claims — Kharge alleging police excess, Delhi Police denying it — set the tone for what is expected to be a turbulent Monsoon Session on the student examinations front.

The Broader NEET Crisis

The NEET-UG 2024 paper leak allegations have roiled India's medical entrance ecosystem since results were declared in May, with irregularities reported across multiple states. The Centre has maintained that steps are being taken to strengthen examination integrity, including identifying and punishing those responsible. The Opposition, however, argues that piecemeal action falls short of the systemic overhaul that students are demanding.

What Comes Next

With the Monsoon Session now under way, the NEET row is likely to remain a flashpoint across both Houses. Opposition parties have signalled they will continue pressing the government for a comprehensive legislative response, while student groups at Jantar Mantar have vowed to sustain their protest until their demands are met.