NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with MPs from the INDIA bloc, arrived in Parliament on Wednesday dressed in black to mark a “Black Day” over the alleged NEET irregularities and the police action against protesting students.Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, JMM MP Mahua Maji and several other opposition leaders also wore black as they gathered at Makar Dwar to stage a protest on the third day of Monsoon session of Parliament. The MPs raised slogans demanding justice for students and the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy surrounding the examination.Opposition reacts Akhilesh Yadav questioned why the government was unwilling to remove the Union education minister, asking,”What pressure is the government under that it cannot remove the minister?” Explaining the Opposition’s decision to wear black in Parliament, he said,”We have come wearing black clothes. Black is the colour of protest; it is also the colour of grief.”JMM MP Mahua Maji, while talking to reporters, said that the goal was to protect students, not score political points. “Opposition stands united”, she said.Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the Opposition’s “Black Day” protest in Parliament.Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the focus should remain on the students’ demands rather than the treatment meted out to Opposition leaders. “What happened with us is irrelevant. Students have genuine demands and are asking for their rights,” she said.She alleged that despite an education budget of Rs 1.4 lakh crore, the government had “waived off Rs 16 lakh crore loans for Adani and Ambani,” while students continued to face repeated paper leaks. “Students have a genuine struggle and are asking for change. Paper leaks are happening repeatedly. There is nothing undemocratic about peaceful protest, but what is happening with students and in Parliament is undemocratic,” she added.Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also accused the Centre of undermining democratic institutions. “They are functioning like a dictatorship. They do not respect MPs. They harass even those who protest as per rules,” he said.Kharge further alleged that BJP-RSS workers were operating alongside the police and warned the government against attempting to intimidate the Opposition.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Come To Wish Kharge’: How Congress Surprised Own MPs Turning Birthday Meet Into PM House ProtestDharmendra Pradhan Breaks Silence On NEET Paper Leak Row, Accuses Rahul Gandhi’This Is Not Done’: Jitendra Singh Claims Rahul Gandhi ‘Changed His Demands’, Hails PM ModiCJP Removes Vijeta Dahiya As Spokesperson After He Defends Leaving Protest To Eat BurgerRahul Gandhi Leads Congress Protest At PM Modi’s Doorstep, Demands Pradhan’s ResignationMamata Banerjee Shuts Door On TMC Rebels, Pushes Opposition Unity Against BJPRahul Gandhi Demands PM Modi’s Apology Over CJP Protest Crackdown, Calls Action ‘Un-Indian’Delhi HC Orders Sonam Wangchuk Shifted To Medanta; Political Leaders Visit Injured CJP ProtestersPM Modi Calls NEET Leak A ‘Ghor Paap’, Says 13 Accused Arrested As Probe Intensifies’They Are Beating Everyone…’ Inside CJP Protest: Police Action, Clashes & Tear Gas In Delhi123PhotostoriesZodiac Signs That Can Manifest Anything They Desire5 stunning purple snakes that look straight out of a fantasy novelInside Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ filming locations: Christopher Nolan’s epic was filmed in these countriesSpain braces for hottest week of summer as temperatures soar to 45°C: 5 expert-backed ways to stay safe in extreme heatFrom Poha to Dosa: 12 most popular Indian breakfasts and their caloriesSure shot remedies to improve your planets6 dementia symptoms that can show up years before diagnosis: Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore60-second money lesson: The money rule every girls’ trip needsThe Sai Pallavi effect: Sarees that prove grace never needs glitterHeartburn that won’t quit may be GERD: A GI surgeon reveals 6 daily habits that can reduce acid reflux and protect your oesophagus123Hot PicksMMU ET 2026 resultPNB LBO RecruitmentCJP ProtestBCI enrollment feesNEET ProtestRahul GandhiCrude oil priceDharmendra PradhanRRB JE RecruitmentTop TrendingWWE Raw HighlightsSandad Chalo MarchJantar Mantar ProtestCJP ProtestAbhijeet DipkeUttarakhand High CourtJohn AbrahamDiljit DosanjhTripura DGP DeathIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with MPs from the INDIA bloc, arrived in Parliament on Wednesday dressed in black to mark a “Black Day” over the alleged NEET irregularities and the police action against protesting students.Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, JMM MP Mahua Maji and several other opposition leaders also wore black as they gathered at Makar Dwar to stage a protest on the third day of Monsoon session of Parliament. The MPs raised slogans demanding justice for students and the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy surrounding the examination.Opposition reacts Akhilesh Yadav questioned why the government was unwilling to remove the Union education minister, asking,”What pressure is the government under that it cannot remove the minister?” Explaining the Opposition’s decision to wear black in Parliament, he said,”We have come wearing black clothes. Black is the colour of protest; it is also the colour of grief.”JMM MP Mahua Maji, while talking to reporters, said that the goal was to protect students, not score political points. “Opposition stands united”, she said.Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge also launched a sharp attack on the Centre during the Opposition’s “Black Day” protest in Parliament.Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the focus should remain on the students’ demands rather than the treatment meted out to Opposition leaders. “What happened with us is irrelevant. Students have genuine demands and are asking for their rights,” she said.She alleged that despite an education budget of Rs 1.4 lakh crore, the government had “waived off Rs 16 lakh crore loans for Adani and Ambani,” while students continued to face repeated paper leaks. “Students have a genuine struggle and are asking for change. Paper leaks are happening repeatedly. There is nothing undemocratic about peaceful protest, but what is happening with students and in Parliament is undemocratic,” she added.Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also accused the Centre of undermining democratic institutions. “They are functioning like a dictatorship. They do not respect MPs. They harass even those who protest as per rules,” he said.Kharge further alleged that BJP-RSS workers were operating alongside the police and warned the government against attempting to intimidate the Opposition.
