Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday urged the Opposition to avoid “unnecessary politics” over the NEET-UG 2026 controversy and instead engage in dialogue, asserting that Parliament is the appropriate forum to discuss examination reforms and safeguard students’ interests.
Speaking to ANI, Yadav said the government has invited the Opposition for a discussion and stressed that solutions to issues concerning students should emerge through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“The education of the country, the future of students, and the role of youth in nation-building are the responsibility of all of us. Therefore, the solution should come through dialogue, not conflict. In a democracy, the best place for dialogue is the floor of the House,” he said.
The Union Minister criticised the Opposition for what he described as an “aggressive stance” over the issue, saying it could have raised its concerns through the Business Advisory Committee before demanding a debate in Parliament.
“I believe the Opposition should not resort to unnecessary politics, create excitement, and exploit circumstances for small political gains. Parliament is the appropriate forum for a comprehensive discussion,” Yadav said.
He added that the government had convened the Business Advisory Committee at the start of the session, but the Opposition had not allowed an environment conducive to discussions.
“The issues they wished to raise could have been presented before the Business Advisory Committee, and the time for discussion could have been decided there. Instead, an aggressive approach was adopted, creating tension rather than facilitating dialogue,” he said.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to protecting students’ interests, Yadav said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working with determination to strengthen the examination system and prevent future irregularities.
“The government has consistently worked to ensure that the NEET examination is conducted successfully. Efforts are underway to address shortcomings and build a more robust, transparent and sensitive examination system,” he said.
Yadav also welcomed social activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government regarding examination reforms.
“For a long time, Sonam Wangchuk presented his concerns. Nadda ji personally met him and helped bring the fast to an end. This is a very positive development,” the Minister said.
Wangchuk ended his fast late on Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He said he agreed to end the protest only after receiving the government’s assurances in writing.
“The Ministers who came from the government’s side also provided this assurance. For the past two days, there were intense negotiations because I wanted these assurances in writing. It took two extra days, and I would have continued the fast if necessary, but today the government provided the written assurance,” Wangchuk said.
(With ANI inputs)
