Rahul Gandhi Calls Meeting of Congress MPs as NEET Protest Row Intensifies Ahead of Nationwide CJP Demonstrations

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has convened a meeting of Congress Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at his residence on Thursday evening, as political tensions surrounding the NEET paper leak controversy continue to escalate.

According to media reports, the meeting has been scheduled for 6 pm and comes at a time when the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is preparing for a nationwide protest on July 24 over alleged examination irregularities and its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Although the Congress has not officially disclosed the agenda, the meeting assumes significance amid repeated disruptions in Parliament over the paper leak issue. The Opposition has been pressing the Centre for greater accountability, action against those responsible for examination irregularities and a discussion on students' concerns.

The development also comes as the CJP announced that protests would be held across the country on Friday to expand its campaign against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The organisation has appealed to students and supporters to participate peacefully while continuing to press for reforms in the examination system.

Meanwhile, the Centre has once again reiterated its willingness to resolve the standoff through dialogue. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Thursday that the government had sent four formal proposals to CJP representatives since Wednesday afternoon, inviting them for discussions.

According to Singh, both he and Union Minister JP Nadda are prepared to meet the protesters at a location of their choice, including the minister's office or residence, stressing that the government is open to discussing every concern raised by students.

"The government has sent formal proposals for discussions with their representatives four times since last afternoon. This is a standing invitation to all our youth friends that the government is ready for discussions on all issues at your convenience, at any place and any time. We do not stand on prestige," Singh said.

Despite the government's outreach, the CJP has continued with its agitation and has announced nationwide demonstrations on July 24, maintaining that its campaign will continue until its key demands are addressed.

The latest political developments indicate that both Parliament and the streets are likely to witness heightened activity over the NEET paper leak issue, with the Opposition stepping up its strategy while the government continues to push for dialogue as a means to break the deadlock.