Rahul Gandhi's Mic Muted For Raising NEET Issue In Lok Sabha: Congress

The controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2024 examination and the alleged question paper leak has led to major political slugfest in the Lok Sabha.

On Friday, Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's microphone was reportedly turned off as he attempted to raise the paper leak issue, prompting Congress to share a video on X of Gandhi requesting access to a microphone from Speaker Om Birla.

Photo Credit: PTI

Rahul Gandhi sought a debate on the NEET controversy and demanded a government statement. However, Speaker Om Birla clarified that he does not control the microphones of MPs and stated that discussions should focus on the President's address, with other matters not being recorded in the House.

"The discussion should be on the President's address. Other matters will not be recorded in the House," Birla said.

"While on one hand, Narendra Modi is not saying anything on NEET, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is raising the voice of the youth in the House. But, on such a serious issue, a conspiracy is being hatched to suppress the voice of the youth by doing cheap acts like switching off the mic," Congress posted on X, sharing a video of the same.

The NEET-UG 2024 examination, essential for entry into undergraduate medical programs, has faced allegations of a question paper leak, leading to nationwide protests from students.

Amidst this tension, Congress MP KC Venugopal submitted an adjournment motion to discuss the paper leak issue, but the Speaker maintained that the House would discuss the Motion of Thanks to the President's address instead.

The session witnessed quite a disruption, ultimately leading the Speaker to adjourn the House until July 1. Government sources noted that it is not customary to introduce an adjournment motion during the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, contributing to the procedural disagreements in the Lok Sabha.