New Delhi (Parliament monsoon session 2026): Opposition leaders staged a sit-in protest inside the Parliament premises, wearing black attire, against what they described as the “brutal action” by the police against students protesting over the NEET issue.
The Opposition MPs accused the Narendra Modi-led government of mishandling the students’ movement and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise over the alleged lathi charge on protesting students. They also demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging a failure of accountability over the examination controversy.
The protesting MPs said their demonstration in black clothes was a symbolic protest against what they called the “dark deeds” of the government and raised concerns over the continuation of the Education Minister in office.
Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government, alleging that democratic values were being undermined.
Kharge said, “This is not a democratic government, this is a dictatorial government. There is no respect for Members of Parliament in the Modi government. Even those who protest within the rules are harassed.”
He further alleged that some individuals linked with the BJP-RSS were working among the police without proper identification and claimed that such actions were aimed at intimidating students and opposition leaders.
Kharge warned that attempts to suppress protests could lead to a larger public reaction across the country. He said the Congress Party and the INDIA alliance would continue their fight and would not be deterred.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal questioned the moral responsibility of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demanded his resignation.
Venugopal said, “Dharmendra Pradhan has no moral responsibility to continue as the Education Minister. Who will listen to his words now? He must resign to safeguard the future of the children of this country.”
The Opposition’s protest comes amid continuing political tensions over the NEET controversy, with opposition parties demanding accountability, transparency, and action over the concerns raised by students and examination aspirants.