During the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, a significant protest unfolded on Wednesday as opposition Members of Parliament, including senior leader Rahul Gandhi, arrived dressed in black attire. This symbolic gesture was aimed at registering a strong protest against the recent police action and lathi-charge on students, as well as the controversial NEET paper leak scandal. The opposition's unified front highlighted the gravity of the issues affecting millions of students across the nation who have been left in a state of uncertainty due to examination irregularities.
Parliamentary Proceedings and Multiple Adjournments
The proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha commenced at 11 AM. However, the atmosphere quickly became charged as opposition members began shouting slogans and demanding an immediate discussion on the paper leak and the grievances of students protesting at Jantar Mantar. Due to the persistent uproar, the Lok Sabha functioned for only one minute before being adjourned until 12 PM. The Rajya Sabha faced a similar fate, with its proceedings also being halted until noon as the opposition refused to back down from their demands.
When the houses reconvened at 12 PM, the intensity of the protest didn't subside. Opposition MPs continued their demonstration, leading to further disruptions. Consequently, the proceedings of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned again, this time until 2 PM. The opposition remained steadfast in its demand for a dedicated debate on the integrity of national examinations and the welfare of the student community, while the government maintained its position on the matter.
Government Response and Political Allegations
The government has stated that it's ready for a discussion on the issue. Before the start of the session, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad held a press conference where he criticized the opposition's conduct. He specifically targeted Rahul Gandhi, calling him irresponsible and accusing him of using the students' plight to further his own political career. Prasad emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the concerns but condemned the disruption of parliamentary proceedings.
The NEET Paper Leak Controversy: Key Details
The NEET-UG is the largest medical entrance examination in the country, with approximately 20 lakh students participating every year. The current controversy stems from the examination held on May 3 2026. Following the exam, allegations surfaced that the question papers had been leaked to certain students before the scheduled time. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting the exam, received several complaints regarding these irregularities.
In response to the growing concerns, the Ministry of Education recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On May 12 2026, the CBI registered an FIR and officially launched its investigation into the matter. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the leak and identify all individuals involved in compromising the examination process.
CBI Investigation Findings and Arrests
The CBI investigation has revealed that the paper was allegedly leaked through certain subject experts associated with the NTA. V. Kulkarni, a chemistry expert, and Manisha Mandhare, a biology expert, were involved in providing potential questions and their answers to a group of students. The preparation for these questions was reportedly carried out in Pune, and many of these questions eventually appeared in the actual examination paper.
The investigation further disclosed that lakhs of rupees were collected from students in exchange for the leaked information, while so far, the CBI has arrested 13 individuals in connection with the case. During the raids, several documents, including laptops, mobile phones, and bank records, have been seized to serve as evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Government Action and Opposition Demands
The government has reiterated that the CBI investigation was initiated based on the complaint filed by the Ministry of Education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, while education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also spoke in Parliament, stating that the government is open to a discussion and is working on strengthening the system to prevent such incidents in the future.
However, the opposition continues to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. They argue that the government and the NTA failed to maintain the confidentiality of the examination, thereby jeopardizing the future of lakhs of students. The opposition insists that the Education Minister must take moral responsibility for the failure. On the other hand, the government maintains that since it has already initiated a CBI probe and arrests have been made, there is no ground for the minister's resignation.