The first day of the Monsoon Session began on a stormy note on Monday, with repeated disruptions in both Houses of Parliament as the Opposition targeted the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak, student protests and other key issues.
In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the government over the alleged NEET paper leak and the ongoing student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He accused the Centre of using force to suppress dissent and claimed that students protesting against the examination scandal had been subjected to a police lathi-charge.
"You have allowed me to put forth my views regarding this paper leak and the NEET examination scandal. This concerns the future of lakhs of children. Thousands of students have gathered at Jantar Mantar for this cause. A lathi-charge has taken place. The government is using force to suppress voices and drive them away," Kharge said in the House.
His remarks triggered loud protests from the treasury benches, leading to a heated exchange between the ruling party and Opposition members. As the uproar intensified, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan adjourned the proceedings.
The Opposition has been demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system, while the government has maintained that steps are being taken to ensure greater transparency and to identify and punish those responsible for irregularities.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police rejected reports of using force against protesters at Jantar Mantar. In a statement posted on X, the police 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 uproar also spilled over to the Lok Sabha, which was adjourned four times on the opening day of the session due to persistent sloganeering by Opposition members. The fourth adjournment came just two minutes after the House reconvened, with proceedings suspended until 2 p.m.
Earlier, the House had been adjourned till noon, then till 12:30 p.m., and later till 1 p.m., as repeated appeals by the Chair to restore order went unheeded. Presiding over the proceedings, Dilip Saikia urged members to return to their seats so that Zero Hour could begin and important national issues could be discussed.
"This behaviour is not good for democracy... Do you not want the House to function?" Saikia asked, but Opposition members continued raising slogans in the well of the House.
At the start of the day's proceedings, Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to former MPs who had passed away before Opposition members began protesting, disrupting the House. Birla reminded MPs that Parliament is the highest forum of democracy and assured them that everyone would get an opportunity to speak.
Before the session began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all political parties to ensure productive discussions during the Monsoon Session. Stressing the need for meaningful debate amid global uncertainties, he said Parliament should function smoothly and every voice should be heard.
"When arguments and evidence are solid, one can effectively convey their message even in a composed manner. May every voice have a chance to be heard, and may every concept receive due respect," the Prime Minister said.
