The opposition rocked the Lok Sabha on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session with fierce protests over NEET paper leaks and Ram Temple donation scandal, as youth-led CJP march clashes with police outside Parliament.
Chaos engulfed the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Monsoon Session as opposition MPs disrupted proceedings over alleged NEET paper leaks and the Ram Temple donation scam, leading to repeated adjournments and an early end to business. Outside Parliament, thousands of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters clashed with police while attempting a march, highlighting widespread youth frustration with the education system.
Disruptions Rock the House
The session, scheduled from July 20 to August 13, began amid high tensions. As soon as the Lok Sabha convened at 11 am under Speaker Om Birla, opposition members raised slogans, forcing an immediate adjournment till noon during Question Hour. Obituary references for six former MPs were also interrupted, prompting Birla to criticise the precedent.
Subsequent sittings at 12 noon, 12:30 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM saw continued protests. Presiding officers, including Jagdambika Pal and Dilip Saikia, appealed for decorum and attempts to take up Zero Hour and Rule 377 matters failed. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju noted the inability to function amid disruptions. The House was finally adjourned for the day around 3 PM after six attempts.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal managed to introduce a bill replacing an ordinance to increase Supreme Court judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice. However, no substantive debate occurred.
Opposition parties, led by INDIA bloc constituents, targeted the government on two major issues: persistent NEET irregularities and alleged embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. They demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a thorough probe into temple donations.
NEET Crisis and Youth Anger
The NEET-UG 2026 exam has been marred by leaks, affecting lakhs of aspirants and sparking national outrage. Rahul Gandhi and others have highlighted over 150 paper leaks since 2014, with claims of papers sold for high sums and tragic student suicides.
The CJP, a youth-led satirical protest movement that gained traction after a controversial remark by the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice, comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches,” amplified these demands. Protesters, camped at Jantar Mantar for weeks, attempted a “Chalo Sansad” march. Police used batons and tear gas; activist Sonam Wangchuk, on hunger strike, was hospitalised but continued symbolically. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke faced detention claims.
Opposition leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the police response and raised the issues inside Parliament. The protests underscore deeper concerns: repeated exam scandals, unemployment, and perceived lack of accountability in the education sector.
Ram Temple Donation Row
The opposition also spotlighted the embezzlement scandal at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Allegations involve theft of cash, gold, and silver offerings worth millions. Eight accused have been arrested, with recoveries reported, and senior trust figures like Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned on moral grounds. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh is probing the case, including job irregularities and CCTV lapses.
Congress leaders wrote to PM Narendra Modi seeking an independent CBI probe and full disclosure of accounts. The issue has embarrassed the VHP and ruling dispensation, with opposition framing it as a betrayal of devotees’ faith.
Broader Context and Government Stance
The disruptions occurred against a backdrop of NDA’s strengthened numbers following recent mergers and seat adjustments. Opposition walked out earlier over invitations to rebel TMC MPs. PM Modi emphasised productive discussions based on facts, praying for a successful session like a good monsoon.
The government has listed several bills, including Income-Tax amendments, FCRA changes, and others on national honours and education reforms. However, the stormy start to the session raises questions about productivity in the 19-sitting session.
Analysts note that while opposition leverages public anger on education and faith-related issues, the ruling side aims to push legislative agenda. Youth protests outside signal a growing demand for systemic reforms beyond partisan battles.
As the session progresses, focus will remain on whether Parliament can address these crises or if disruptions will define the Monsoon Session. The CJP’s momentum and temple probe developments are likely to keep pressure high.
