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The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed a dramatic scene as Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, representing Bihar's Purnea, took the oath wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the words 'ReNEET.' This bold display was a direct response to the demands for the cancellation of the NEET-PG 2024 examination, which has been marred by allegations of paper leaks.
Yadav, a seasoned politician with six Lok Sabha terms under his belt, concluded his oath with a series of slogans: 'Re-NEET, special status for Bihar, Seemanchal Zindabad, Manavtavaad Zindabad, Bhim Zindabad, Samvidhan Zindabad.' His call for a re-examination and special status for Bihar immediately sparked objections from the treasury benches, igniting a heated exchange in the Parliament.
Yadav's defiance was evident in his retort, 'I am a six-time MP. You'll teach me? You have won on the mercy (of others). I fight alone.' This statement highlights the underlying tension between independent MPs and the ruling coalition, particularly in the context of Yadav's recent electoral journey.
Before contesting as an independent, Yadav had merged his Jan Adhikar Party with the Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. However, his hopes of contesting from Purnea were dashed when his ally, the RJD, unilaterally announced the candidature of JD(U) turncoat MLA Bima Bharti. Despite this setback, Yadav stood his ground and contested as an independent, securing victory by a significant margin of over 23,000 votes, leaving Bharti in a distant third place and losing her deposit.
Yadav's actions during the oath-taking ceremony highlight the growing discontent among certain segments of the political spectrum regarding the conduct of national examinations and the perceived lack of attention towards specific regional concerns. The heated exchange in Parliament reflects the rising polarization and political tensions within the Indian democracy.
The second day of the session was marked by various slogans chanted by members after concluding their oath. Many raised slogans like 'Jai Hind', 'Jai Maharashtra', 'Jai Bheem', and 'Jai Shivaji'. However, the pro-tem speaker reminded members to adhere to the prescribed oath and read only what was written on the provided paper, attempting to maintain order and decorum in the proceedings.
The Congress' Outer Manipur MP, Alfred S Arthur, took his oath in English and added the phrase 'Manipur mei nyay dilaye, desh bachaiye' (Let justice be served in Manipur, save the country), highlighting the ongoing crisis in the state. This phrase reflects the growing concern and demand for a resolution to the Manipur violence.
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, after taking his oath, hailed a conflict-hit West Asian region, triggering an uproar from the treasury benches. This incident led to the chair striking Owaisi's remarks off the record, further showcasing the delicate balance of political sensitivities and the potential for unforeseen disruptions within the Lok Sabha.
Source: Drama in Lok Sabha as Pappu Yadav raises 'ReNEET' slogan: ‘You'll teach me?’