The Monsoon session of Parliament started with a bang as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi went head-to-head. The issue? Alleged NEET paper leak, a scandal that has captured everyone’s attention and angered many.
Dharmendra Pradhan, the Education Minister in the NDA government, found himself on the defensive. Rahul Gandhi, known for his strong opinions, launched a fierce attack on the Education Minister, focusing on the NEET controversy. Pradhan fought back, defending his government’s record and insisting that there had been no proof of paper leaks in the last seven years.
#WATCH | Opposition MPs raise NEET exam issue in Lok Sabha
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "…No evidence of paper leak has been found in the last 7 years. This (NEET) matter is going on before the Supreme Court. I can say with full responsibility that more… pic.twitter.com/uoWySlfQYP
The tension was high as Rahul Gandhi, joined by Akhilesh Yadav, questioned the fairness of the examination system. Yadav raised serious questions about the integrity of the exams, which got a sharp response from Pradhan. “This government will set a record for paper leaks,” Yadav said. “There are some centers where more than 2,000 students have passed. As long as this minister (Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan) is there, the students will not get justice.”
#WATCH | On NEET exam issue, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav says, "This government will make a record of paper leaks… There are some centres where more than 2,000 students have passed. As long as this minister (Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan) is there, the students… pic.twitter.com/Sa95rPYZki
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2024
Rahul Gandhi didn’t hold back either. “It is clear to the whole country that there is a big problem in our examination system, not just in NEET but in all major exams,” he said. Gandhi accused Pradhan of avoiding responsibility. “The minister has blamed everyone except himself. I don’t even think he understands what is really happening here.”
Gandhi went further, saying that the exam system was corrupt. “Millions of people believe that if you are rich and have money, you can buy the Indian examination system,” he said, voicing a feeling that many frustrated people share. He said the entire opposition felt this way.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s response to the opposition
Dharmendra Pradhan, however, stood his ground. He called the accusations baseless and politically motivated. Pradhan defended the government’s efforts to keep exams fair, saying they had strong measures in place to prevent cheating. He pointed out that no real evidence had been shown to prove any paper leaks during his time.
Despite Pradhan’s defense, the opposition was not convinced. The debate in Parliament mirrored the public’s anger, frustration, and distrust towards the exam system. The alleged NEET paper leak has become a symbol of a bigger problem, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of exams in India.
The debate also showed the deep political divide in the country. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav’s strong words showed the opposition’s plan to target the government on issues of corruption and poor management. For them, the NEET controversy is a powerful tool to gain public support and challenge the ruling party’s credibility.
As the session went on, the debate stayed intense. The opposition kept pushing for answers and action from the Education Minister. Pradhan, on the other hand, kept defending his position, asking for a more constructive and fact-based discussion.
The clash between Rahul Gandhi and Dharmendra Pradhan shows the deep problems within the Indian examination system and the bigger concerns about how the country is run and held accountable. The NEET paper leak scandal has brought these issues to light, starting a national talk about the need for reform and more transparency.
In conclusion, the first day of the Monsoon session was marked by a dramatic showdown between two of India’s top political figures. The explosive exchange over the alleged NEET paper leak scandal highlighted the contentious nature of the issue and set the stage for a heated and possibly transformative session of Parliament.
As the debate continues, all eyes will be on Dharmendra Pradhan’s response and the steps it takes to address the concerns raised by the opposition. The future of India’s examination system, and indeed the credibility of its educational institutions, hangs in the balance.
