New Delhi: Opposition parties intensified their protest against the Centre on Wednesday, with Congress MPs arriving at Parliament dressed in black a day after staging a dharna outside the Prime Minister’s residence. The demonstration was aimed at pressing demands for a discussion on the NEET controversy and the recent police action against student protesters in the national capital.
Congress members were joined by MPs from several Opposition parties as they gathered outside the Parliament gate, raising slogans against the government. Samajwadi Party MPs also participated in the protest by wearing black scarves in solidarity.
The Opposition reiterated its demand for the resignations of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding them responsible for the handling of the NEET issue and the police crackdown on students during Monday’s protest in Delhi.
Congress leaders maintained that a parliamentary discussion on the matter should take place only after the Education Minister steps down. They argued that accountability must precede any debate on the issue.
According to government sources, the Centre has agreed in principle to hold a discussion on the matter in both Houses of Parliament. The format and rules governing the debate are expected to be decided by the Speaker after consultations with leaders of various political parties.
The latest protest follows Tuesday’s demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence, led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in which several Opposition leaders were detained. Gandhi also placed multiple demands before the government, including the resignations of the Home and Education Ministers, action against police personnel involved in the alleged assault on students, and an apology from the Prime Minister.
The BJP rejected the Opposition’s allegations and accused the Congress of politicising the issue by using students for political purposes. The party has also announced plans to organise protests outside Congress offices across the country in response to the demonstration held outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
