New Delhi: The INDIA bloc strengthened its united front on Thursday as senior opposition leaders concluded a strategy meeting at the residence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi before marching together toward Rajghat.
The meeting brought together Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, Randeep Singh Surjewala, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule, Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra, Saugata Roy and Kalyan Banerjee, along with representatives from the Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, CPI(M), CPI, JMM, IUML and several other opposition parties.
The coordinated march was aimed at demonstrating opposition solidarity amid escalating political tensions during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Security Tightened Around Rahul Gandhi's Residence
Delhi Police increased security arrangements around Rahul Gandhi's residence before the meeting as opposition leaders arrived. Following the discussions, MPs proceeded in an organized protest march to Rajghat, where they were expected to continue their campaign highlighting issues they claim the government has failed to address.
NEET-UG Controversy Dominates Parliament
The immediate trigger for the protest remains the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Opposition parties continue to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have sought a dedicated parliamentary debate under special procedural rules.
The Central Government, however, maintains that it is fully prepared to discuss the issue but has accused the opposition of stalling Parliament by insisting on preconditions before allowing normal legislative business.
Morning Strategy Followed by Evening Mobilization
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also met INDIA bloc leaders within the Parliament complex to formulate floor strategy. Thursday evening's gathering expanded that discussion into a broader political mobilisation, reflecting the opposition's intention to combine parliamentary pressure with public demonstrations.
Although Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav participated in the morning consultations, reports indicated he was not present at the evening meeting.
Parliament Remains Gridlocked
Both Houses witnessed repeated slogan-shouting and disruptions throughout Thursday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the government is willing to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET issue, while urging opposition parties to cooperate in restoring parliamentary proceedings.
With neither side showing signs of compromise, the political standoff is expected to continue in the coming days, making the NEET controversy one of the defining issues of the current Monsoon Session.: The INDIA bloc strengthened its united front on Thursday as senior opposition leaders concluded a strategy meeting at the residence of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi before marching together toward Rajghat.
The meeting brought together Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, Randeep Singh Surjewala, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule, Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra, Saugata Roy and Kalyan Banerjee, along with representatives from the Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD, CPI(M), CPI, JMM, IUML and several other opposition parties.
The coordinated march was aimed at demonstrating opposition solidarity amid escalating political tensions during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Security Tightened Around Rahul Gandhi's Residence
Delhi Police increased security arrangements around Rahul Gandhi's residence before the meeting as opposition leaders arrived. Following the discussions, MPs proceeded in an organized protest march to Rajghat, where they were expected to continue their campaign highlighting issues they claim the government has failed to address.
NEET-UG Controversy Dominates Parliament
The immediate trigger for the protest remains the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, which has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Opposition parties continue to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and have sought a dedicated parliamentary debate under special procedural rules.
The Central Government, however, maintains that it is fully prepared to discuss the issue but has accused the opposition of stalling Parliament by insisting on preconditions before allowing normal legislative business.
Morning Strategy Followed by Evening Mobilization
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also met INDIA bloc leaders within the Parliament complex to formulate floor strategy. Thursday evening's gathering expanded that discussion into a broader political mobilisation, reflecting the opposition's intention to combine parliamentary pressure with public demonstrations.
Although Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav participated in the morning consultations, reports indicated he was not present at the evening meeting.
Parliament Remains Gridlocked
Both Houses witnessed repeated slogan-shouting and disruptions throughout Thursday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated that the government is willing to hold a detailed discussion on the NEET issue, while urging opposition parties to cooperate in restoring parliamentary proceedings.
With neither side showing signs of compromise, the political standoff is expected to continue in the coming days, making the NEET controversy one of the defining issues of the current Monsoon Session.
