NEW DELHI—Opposition parties intensified protests on Thursday over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), maintaining demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as demonstrations and parliamentary disruptions continued for a fourth consecutive day.
Proceedings in both houses of Parliament were repeatedly interrupted as opposition lawmakers sought an immediate discussion on the controversy and renewed calls for ministerial accountability. The government said it was prepared to hold a debate on the issue without preconditions, but rejected demands that Pradhan resign before any discussion takes place.
Outside Parliament, student groups and demonstrators continued protests over allegations of examination irregularities, including claims of paper leaks that have raised concerns about the integrity of one of India's largest medical entrance examinations. Authorities maintained heightened security in parts of the capital following earlier clashes between protesters and police, while demonstrations were also reported in other cities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded publicly to the growing unrest by announcing the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite cases related to examination paper leaks and pledging action against those found responsible for fraud. The announcement marked the government's most significant response since the protests intensified, but opposition leaders and protest organizers said the measures did not address their demands for political accountability.
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have accused the government of failing to safeguard the credibility of public examinations and argued that the education minister should accept responsibility for the alleged lapses. The government has maintained that investigations are underway, highlighted arrests made in connection with alleged examination fraud, and said it is implementing reforms to strengthen examination security. It has also accused the opposition of politicizing the issue.
The controversy stems from allegations surrounding the 2026 NEET examination, which opposition parties and student groups say exposed weaknesses in India's examination system. Authorities are continuing investigations into the allegations, while officials have stressed that legal proceedings should determine responsibility for any wrongdoing.
By Thursday evening, parliamentary business remained disrupted as negotiations between the government and opposition failed to break the deadlock. Officials said the government remained willing to discuss the issue in Parliament, while opposition parties indicated they would continue their protests until their demands, including Pradhan's resignation, were addressed.
