New Delhi, July 25: The first week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament ended without any substantial legislative business as persistent disruptions and a political standoff between the Government and the Opposition brought proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha to a virtual halt over the alleged NEET paper leak issue.
The Opposition remained firm on its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before any discussion on the alleged examination paper leak, while the Government maintained that debates should take place without preconditions and accused the Opposition of deliberately obstructing parliamentary proceedings.
Throughout the first week, repeated protests, slogan shouting and adjournments prevented both Houses from taking up their scheduled legislative agenda. Only one Bill each was introduced in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, while no major legislation could be debated or passed.
In the Lok Sabha, the Government introduced a Bill seeking to replace an ordinance that increases the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court from 34 to 38. However, despite being listed for consideration on multiple occasions, the Bill could not be taken up because of continuous disruptions.
The Rajya Sabha also witnessed repeated adjournments amid uproar by Opposition members demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy and insisting on the resignation of the Education Minister before any discussion.
Parliamentary affairs were marked by sharp exchanges between the Treasury and Opposition benches, with the Government urging all political parties to allow the Houses to function and stressing that important public business should not be held hostage to political disagreements. The Opposition, however, reiterated that the issue of alleged irregularities in national examinations deserved immediate attention and accountability.
With no breakthrough achieved during the first week, the Monsoon Session is expected to remain politically charged when Parliament reconvenes, as both the Government and the Opposition continue to stand by their respective positions on the contentious issue.KNC)
