Opposition MPs, dessed in black, protest in parliament over NEET controversy

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with several MPs from the INDIA bloc, arrived at Parliament on Wednesday dressed in black to observe a "Black Day" protest. The demonstration was organized to raise concerns over alleged NEET examination irregularities and the recent police action against protesting students. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and JMM MP Mahua Maji, gathered at Makar Dwar on the third day of the Monsoon session.

The protesting lawmakers raised slogans demanding justice for affected students and called for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Questioning the central government's stance, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav asked what pressure prevented the government from removing the minister. He further noted that black was chosen as the color of protest and grief, while JMM MP Mahua Maji emphasized that the opposition stood united to protect students rather than score political points.

Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also launched a sharp attack against the Centre during the demonstration. Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged that the primary focus must remain on the genuine demands and rights of the students rather than how opposition leaders were treated. She stressed that students across the country are seeking their rightful demands and a fair resolution to the examination controversy.