'Allocate time starting today': Shah writes to Birla for debate on NEET protests

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allocate time for a debate on the NEET examination protests, according to a letter sent on Wednesday. Shah noted that the Lower House had already discussed the Public Examination (prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and that none of the opposition MPs expressed their opinions during that discussion.

Despite this, the government remains open to engaging in a discussion on the matter. Shah expressed his willingness to participate in the debate and answer any questions raised by the opposition. This comes amid ongoing protests from the opposition demanding that Shah provide a statement in Parliament regarding the alleged police brutality against student protesters on July 20.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have rejected Shah's offer to sit in the Parliament and listen to their concerns, with Gandhi stating that the opposition seeks answers, not lectures, and questioned Shah's competence and courage.