'Don't Teach Us Politics': Akhilesh Yadav Reacts After Reported Exchange With KC Venugopal in Lok Sabha Amid NEET Protest Row
A reported exchange between Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal during Lok Sabha proceedings on Wednesday triggered speculation about possible differences within the Opposition alliance as Parliament witnessed heated protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.
According to sources, the disagreement unfolded while Opposition parties were pressing for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. As Congress leaders urged their MPs to continue protesting in the Well of the House, Speaker Om Birla reportedly called upon Akhilesh Yadav to address the House. However, with slogan-shouting continuing, the Samajwadi Party chief was allegedly unable to speak.
Sources claimed Akhilesh expressed his displeasure, saying, "Both of you have spoken, but I was not allowed to speak. There seems to be an understanding between you." Venugopal is said to have objected to the remark, after which Akhilesh reportedly responded, "You should not teach us politics." The exchange is believed to have taken place after the House was adjourned and microphones had been switched off.
Despite reports of tension, Akhilesh later dismissed suggestions of a rift within the INDIA bloc, asserting that all Opposition parties remained united on the issues concerning students and the education system.
Speaking to reporters, the Samajwadi Party leader said the Opposition's stand was clear: Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation should come first, followed by a detailed discussion in Parliament on the alleged examination irregularities. He said students across the country were demanding accountability and claimed that repeated examination paper leaks had shattered the confidence of lakhs of aspirants.
Referring to reports of numerous paper leaks over the past several years, Akhilesh alleged that students and their families had suffered because of repeated failures in the examination system. He maintained that Parliament should be allowed to debate the issue instead of witnessing repeated disruptions.
The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also referred to Tuesday's protest near the Prime Minister's residence, alleging that police personnel manhandled elected representatives during the demonstration.
"When Rahul Gandhi, I and other MPs went there, our clothes were also pulled and torn. Since when has the police started behaving like this, especially with elected representatives?" he asked.
Addressing speculation over the Opposition alliance, Akhilesh said there was no bitterness between the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, adding that while political parties may have different electoral priorities, they remain united on issues affecting students, unemployment, inflation and farmers.
He also criticised the government's handling of the education sector, arguing that recurring examination controversies had raised serious concerns among young aspirants. Stressing that the Opposition's focus remained on securing accountability, Akhilesh said students deserved transparent examinations and answers from the government rather than political distractions.
