Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day minutes after resuming proceedings at 3 pm. The House has been adjourned till 11 am on Friday, July 24.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day
The Opposition parties are currently holding a protest at the Parliament House Complex, asserting their demand for Pradhan's resignation. (Photo: X/@kcvenugopalmp)The Lok Sabha proceedings have been adjourned for the day, and will reconvene at 11 am on Friday as Opposition continued to press its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET paper leak. The Rajya Sabha, meanwhile, has been adjourned till 3 pm today following ruckus and protests as the Opposition parties sought discussion on NEET paper leak issue — only under the condition that Pradhan resigns from his post.
This comes after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition with “folded hands” to allow discussion on the NEET paper leak issue “without any conditions.” The Opposition parties also held a protest at the Parliament House Complex, asserting their demand for Pradhan’s resignation. While the government has assured that it is ready to discuss the NEET issue, the Congress party has expressed it wants it done under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha and Rule 56 in the Lok Sabha.
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Both Houses of Parliament have failed to conduct any business for the first 3 days of the Monsoon session, which commenced on July 20 amid Opposition uproar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Key Bills to be discussed today:
The Lok Sabha is set to take up the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, for consideration and passage today, with Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal scheduled to move the legislation. It will be accompanied by a statutory resolution moved by opposition members, seeking to express the House’s disapproval of the SC (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance shared by the President on May 16, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members KC Venugopal and Dharmendra Yadav are also likely to present the 48th report concerning the delay in the production of the electronically upgraded 155mm/45 Calibre Gun System ‘DHANUSH’.
Deputy LoP Gaurav Gogoi is also likely to present the 17th Report of the Business Advisory Committee. The Standing Committee on Finance, led by Bhartruhari Mahtab and Jayanta Kumar Roy, will present its 36th report on the ‘Securities Markets Code, 2025’. Moreover, the Secretary-General will report a message from the Rajya Sabha regarding the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Live Updates
Visuals | NDA, Opposition MPs protest inside Parliament premises today
Both the ruling NDA and Opposition MPs protested inside the Parliament premises on Thursday.
Here are some visuals from the protest site:
(Express Video/Special Arrangement)
(Express Video/Special Arrangement)
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi and Hibi Eden with other opposition MPs take part in protest against the NEET paper leak issue. (ANI Photo)
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut with other MPs takes part in a protest against the opposition at the Parliament premises. (ANI Photo)
Protests underway inside Parliament premises. (Express Photo)
DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi with other MPs takes part in a protest demanding the abolition of the NEET exam at the Parliament premises. (ANI Photo)
Lok Sabha adjourned for the day
The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 11 am on Friday moments after it resumed at 2 pm on Thursday amid Opposition uproar over its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 3 pm today
The Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 3 pm moments after it resumed at 2 pm on Thursday.
The House has already been adjourned twice earlier, amid Opposition uproar over its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Rajya Sabha proceedings resume
The Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed at 2 pm on Thursday after being adjourned twice earlier, amid Opposition uproar over its demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Lok Sabha proceedings resume
The Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 2 pm on Thursday after being adjourned twice earlier, amid Opposition uproar over demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
'Centre committed to safeguarding future of youth, Oppn 'irresponsible': JP Nadda
The Centre is committed to safeguarding the future and interests of the youth, BJP minister JP Nadda reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolution, over a post on X.
"To tackle a serious challenge like paper leaks, Prime Minister Modi ji's resolve to establish fast-track courts and take the strictest action against the guilty is a clear testament to our government's sensitivity and commitment towards the youth," he hailed PM's announcement.
He also targeted the Opposition for avoiding "meaningful discussion on this crucial issue in Parliament." "In contrast, the opposition and its leader Rahul Gandhi are avoiding meaningful discussion on this crucial issue in Parliament, instead attempting to mislead the public on the streets, which reflects their irresponsible conduct contrary to democratic values," he added.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsआदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के नेतृत्व में केंद्र सरकार युवाओं के भविष्य और उनके हितों की रक्षा के लिए पूर्णतः प्रतिबद्ध है।
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) July 23, 2026
पेपर लीक जैसी गंभीर चुनौती से निपटने के लिए प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी द्वारा फास्ट ट्रैक कोर्ट के गठन तथा दोषियों के विरुद्ध कठोरतम कार्रवाई का… https://t.co/CByKx3ccpP
'Students are not terrorists': Priyanka Gandhi on government shutting down internet near Jantar Mantar
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the government for shutting down internet connectivity in areas near Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Thursday.
"They have cut all the internet. What are they doing? These are not terrorists. Their parents and families will be worried because they cannot contact them. They are being tear-gassed and beaten. What kind of democracy is this?...," Vadra asked.
"The Prime Minister takes credit for every achievement of this nation, whether it is reaching Mars or the success of our youth in the Olympics or Asian Games. If he takes credit for every achievement, then it is time for him to take responsibility as well. It is under his government that people are being beaten. In the last 10 years, 152 question papers have leaked, yet there has not been a single conviction. If the Prime Minister is responsible for every achievement, then he is also responsible for what is happening today," Varda told the reporters. (PTI)
'Congress wasting valuable time of the House': BJP MP Sambit Patra
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra criticised the Congress party for disrupting the proceedings of the Parliament, and "wasting the vaulable time of the House."
Patra said, "You can see the kind of scenes unfolding outside Parliament today. This is not new. The Congress repeatedly stages such protests outside Parliament and also disrupts proceedings inside by displaying black clothes, banners and posters, wasting the valuable time of the House. At the same time, it avoids discussion on the issues that should actually be debated."
"Whether it is our party president Nitin Nabin or former party president JP Nadda, all of them have spoken with students as well as Sonam Wangchuk. One thing has emerged clearly, there should be a comprehensive discussion on the issue of question paper leaks. Strong laws should be enacted in Parliament so that the recurring problem of paper leaks and the hardships faced by candidates over the years can be effectively addressed," Patra told the reporters. (PTI)
'Voice of people outside same as voice of representatives inside Parliament': TMC MP Mahua Moitra
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday came down heavily on the government for shutting down metro stations amid protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Speaking to reporters, Moitra said, “We are seeing that, for the third consecutive day, the Metro stations in Delhi have been closed. This is not how a government can function. Delhi is under siege. Our demand is the same both inside and outside Parliament: Dharmendra Pradhan must resign."
"If the government believes it can reach a compromise with us inside Parliament while silencing the voices of the students outside, that is never going to happen. The voice of the people outside is the same as the voice of their representatives inside Parliament. Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. No discussion, no negotiations. First, the resignation. Then, we can talk," Moitra asserted.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raises slogans during Oppn's protest at Makar Dwar
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised slogans against the government during Opposition's protest at Makar Dwar inside Parliament premises, news agency PTI reported sharing visuals.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raises slogans against the government during Opposition's protest at Makar Dwar inside Parliament premises.#monsoonsession #parliamentmonsoonsession
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/5UJ8761fax
TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee raises slogans on the stairs of Parliament building
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday had suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee for the remainder of the Monsoon Session for using 'undignified' language against women members after he had a heated exchange with the NCPI members in the Lower House chamber.
He was seen raising slogans on the stairs of the Parliament building on Thursday.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: MP Kalyan Banerjee raises slogans at the stairs of Parliament building.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 23, 2026
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday had suspended Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee for the remainder of the Monsoon Session for using 'undignified' language against women… pic.twitter.com/SdiOHqhxge
'Oppn leaders had agreed to find a way forward during meeting': Kiren Rijiju
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, addressing the reporters, spoke on PM Narendra Modi's post on X regarding the setting up of fast-track courts to investigate paper leak cases in India.
"We had hoped to begin a discussion today on the NEET paper leak issue. Yesterday, I spoke with several Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, and everyone said we should find a way forward. But later, they started imposing conditions and offering different excuses. Even in the evening, I hoped we would continue discussions with the Congress and other Opposition parties to arrive at a consensus. Today, the PM has made it very clear that the government is taking every possible step to safeguard the future and security of students and youth, and there will be no compromise or tolerance on this issue," Rijiju told PTI.
'Will prove to be a milestone': Amit Shah on PM's order to setup fast-track courts to probe paper leak cases
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to youth welfare and their "bright future".
"The welfare of the youth and their bright future is both the highest priority and the resolve of the Modi government," Shah wrote over a post on X.
"The decision to expedite hearings and take stringent action against the guilty in paper leak cases through the establishment of fast-track courts by the Prime Minister is a reflection of this very commitment," he said.
"This important step by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against those who toy with the future of the youth due to paper leaks will prove to be a milestone," Shah concluded.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsयुवाओं का हित और उनका उज्ज्वल भविष्य मोदी सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता भी है और संकल्प भी। प्रधानमंत्री जी द्वारा फास्ट ट्रैक कोर्ट्स के गठन से पेपर लीक के मामलों में दोषियों के खिलाफ त्वरित सुनवाई और कठोर कार्रवाई का निर्णय इसी का प्रतिबिंब है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 23, 2026
पेपर लीक के कारण युवाओं के भविष्य… https://t.co/7RExtxkHSG
'They just want to do hungama': BJP MP Ravi Shankar on Opposition uproar
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad called the Oppposition uproar over demands for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan "unfortunate."
"It's unfortunate; Centre and Lok Sabha Speaker agreed for discussion on paper leak but Opposition is running away; big question is that they just want to do 'hungama'," Shankar told news agency PTI.
Opposition can decide on date, duration to discuss NEET paper leak issue: Rijiju
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that the Opposition can decide on date, and duration of discussion on NEET paper leak issue in both Houses.
Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav meet Lok Sabha Speaker
Opposition leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday amid repeated disruptions of House proceedings over the demand for a debate on the NEET paper leak issue, and Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, news agency PTI reported.
TMC leaders Saugata Roy and Mahua Moitra were also present at the meeting. This comes after during the Question Hour, Birla asked the Opposition leaders to meet him to discuss the duration and date of the discussion. (PTI)
Centre appeals to Oppn with ‘folded hands’ to discuss NEET paper leak without conditions
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Thursday reiterated that the government is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue as the Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 12 pm.
“We appeal to the opposition with folded hands: do not mount additional conditions…let us discuss all instances of paper leaks…we should not do politics on this, we should collaborate to find a solution for the sake of the youth of this nation,” Rijiju asserted.
'You not letting the House function is not right': BJP MP Dilip Saikia
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Dilip Saikia appealed to the Opposition to let Lok Sabha function, before it was adjourned till 2 pm.
"The way you want a discussion, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister too has stated, the government is ready for it…you are still not letting the House function. This is not right," Saikia told the Opposition.
Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm
The Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm on Thursday following ruckus by the Opposition, who are firm on their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, before beginning discussions in the House.
'Opposition conduct inside Parliament is irresponsible': JP Nadda
In a brief remark following Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's intervention in the Rajya Sabha, BJP minister JP Nadda called Opposition's conduct in the Parliament "irresponsible."
"Opposition's conduct is irresponsible. They neither want discussion not want the House to function. First they said discuss paper leak. The government said we will discuss every issue. But today they are seeking resignation," Nadda said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister reiterates government's willingness to discuss NEET issue
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Thursday reiterated that the government is ready for a discussion on the NEET issue as the Lok Sabha proceedings resumed at 12 pm.
He added that PM Modi himself has spoke on the issue -- of establishing fast track courts. “We appeal to the opposition with folded hands: do not mount additional conditions…let us discuss all instances of paper leaks…we should not do politics on this, we should collaborate to find a solution for the sake of the youth of this nation," Rijiju asserted.
'No discussion until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns': Kharge in Rajya Sabha
As the Rajya Sabha resumed on Thursday, Congress president and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
"I want to request you today that government comes ahead and make a statement on the resignation of Education Minister we are demanding. Thousands faced baton charge, many are in hospital, their parents are worried. Istifa zaroor hona chahiye, jab tak istifa nahi, discussion nahi," Kharge said.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm
Rajya Sabha has been adjourned once again till 2 pm.
Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha proceedings resume
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed at 12 pm on Thursday.
The Houses were adjourned following ruckus and protests by the Opposition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha proceedings resume
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings resumed at 12 pm on Thursday.
The Houses were adjourned following ruckus and protests by the Opposition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
AAP, DMK stays away from demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation to discuss NEET issue
Barring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the DMK, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said that the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Left parties, and the IUML parties took the decision to not discuss the NEET paper leak inside the Parliament without Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
“The mood inside Parliament should be the mood outside,” a leader said the Opposition meeting early Thursday.
'No discussion without resignation': Opposition parties convey stance to Om Birla
The Opposition parties have decided to adopt the stance that they will not discuss the NEET paper leak issue in the Parliament without the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradham.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, speaking to The Indian Express, said, “We have conveyed it to Speaker Om Birla."
'BJP completely rattled, resorting to bluff': Congress MP K C Venugopal
Congress general secretary and MP K C Venugopal on Thursday claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party was "completely rattled" and was "resorting to bluff and bluster to salvage its image."
"Opposition MPs are unitedly fighting together, protesting for the youth of our country. The BJP is completely rattled and is resorting to bluff and bluster to salvage its image," Venugopal wrote over a post on X.
He reasserted the Oppsition's demands for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsOpposition MPs are unitedly fighting together, protesting for the youth of our country.
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) July 23, 2026
The BJP is completely rattled and is resorting to bluff and bluster to salvage its image.
On our part, there is no questioning of going back on our core demands, starting with Dharmendra… pic.twitter.com/cvX09W4tlj
Opposition MPs hold protest at Parliament House Complex
Congress President and LoP Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary and MPs KC Venugopal and Priyanka Gandhi are holding a protest at the Parliament House complex on Thursday.
The Opposition parties are firm on their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue.
Watch:
'When PM makes a commitment, he means he will complete it': BJP president Nitin Nabin
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin, speaking to reporters on Thursday, assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the welfare and future of the youth, meant that he would fulfil his promise and the work would be done.
"The Prime Minister said earlier and has reiterated that we are ready for any investigation, that we will bring fast track courts so that action is taken against the accused and we will ensure that anyone involved is not spared. When Narendra Modi ji takes a sankalp (commitment), both the nation as well as the world know that it means taking this towards siddhi (completion/conclusion)," Nabin told The Indian Express.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: On PM Modi's tweet on setting up fast-track courts to ensure stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks, BJP President Nitin Nabin says, "The Prime Minister has stated before and continues to state that he is prepared to investigate every issue. He… pic.twitter.com/83jFRl8Rgv
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
Rajya Sabha proceedings begin with an obituary
Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha commenced on Thursday with a obituary reference to lives lost in natural calamities and extreme weather events such as floods, landslides, lightning strikes across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura, Keralam.
Here's what happened as Rajya Sabha commenced today:
Before the adjournment of the Rajya Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had requested the opposition benches to not make the NEET discussion incumbent on conditions.
Rijiju said that all parties have demanded discussion on NEET and today, even the NDA parties sought a discussion on this issue. "I thought that after a discussion with Kharge ji yesterday and other opposition leaders, we had hoped that may be a discussion today. But the Congress party has made it conditional."
"Please don't put conditions, your intentions are to stall discussions if you are putting conditions. We are requesting again that there should be no politicisation of the NEET issue and there should be a good discussion in both Houses," Rijiju urged.
"Today, the Prime Minister informed the country that strong steps have been taken and fast track courts have been set up so that nobody is spared of stringent punishment if a paper is leaked. My request again is that don't put conditions, and let us start the discussion soon," he added.
'Not running away from discussion, demand Education Minister's resignation': Kharge
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Thursday, responding to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, said that the Opposition parties were not running away from discussions on the NEET paper leak issue.
"We are not running away from discussions. We demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. We won't go ahead with discussions until that happens," Kharge said.
His comments come after Rijiju alleged that the Opposition parties wanted to stop the discussion on the NEET paper leak issue by putting certain conditions.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm
The Rajya Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 12 pm amid Opposition uproar.
'You want to stop the discussion by putting conditions': Kiren Rijiju
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday alleged that the Opposition parties wanted to stop the discussion on the NEET paper leak issue by putting certain conditions.
"You want to stop the discussion by putting conditions... We are ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue, without politicising the matter. The Prime Minister has also shared his opinions early today that judicial fast-track courts would be set up on the matter. I want you to not put those conditions," Rijiju said in the Rajya Sabha.
Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 pm
The Lok Sabha proceedings have been adjourned till 12 pm amid Opposition uproar over discussion on NEET paper leak issue, police action against student protesters, and demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
While the government has assured that it is ready to discuss the NEET issue, the Congress party has expressed it wants it done, proposing the suspension of all businesses for the day.
Rajya Sabha proceedings begin
The Rajya Sabha proceedings began at 11 am on Thursday amid Opposition uproar.
Lok Sabha proceedings begin
The Lok Sabha proceedings began at 11 am on Thursday amid Opposition uproar.
DMK MP submits Rule 267 notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss NEET paper leak issue, student protests
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Tiruchi Siva also submitted a notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha, seeking the suspension of the day’s proceedings to discuss the NEET paper leak controversy and ongoing nationwide student protests, according to news agency ANI.
"Under Rule 267 (Notice of Motion for Suspension of rules) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Council of States (Rajya Sabha), I hereby give notice of my intention to move the following motion: I seek your consent, under Rule 267 of the 'Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States' to suspend Rules 15, 23, and 51, and any other business listed under any other rule in the List of Business - Revised or otherwise - for 23rd July 2026, in lieu of the following issue of urgent importance: 'To discuss the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG examination, seeking transparency and accountability in the education system and Government's response to the said issue,'" the official notice read. (ANI)
Opposition seeks urgent debate over NEET leak, police action on students
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala on Thursday submitted a notice for the suspension of all business in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the NEET paper leak, police action against protesting students and educational reforms, news agency PTI reported.
The notice comes amid demands raised by the Congress to hold a full-fledged discussion on the issue of students’ stir and police action against them.
While the government has assured that it is ready to discuss the NEET issue, the Congress party has expressed it wants it done under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha and Rule 56 in the Lok Sabha.
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