BJP-led NDA Parliamentary Party to hold weekly 'Mangal Milan' meeting today
New Delhi, July 28
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance Parliamentary Party will hold its weekly 'Mangal Milan' meeting here on Monday, at 9:30 AM at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi.
In a significant political development, the newly formed Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has been invited to attend the alliance meeting for the first time. The NCPI comprises breakaway parliamentarians who recently extended their support to the ruling NDA coalition.
The meeting, scheduled to be held at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium at the Parliament Library Building (PLB) at 9:30 am comes after the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh amid continuous sloganeering by Opposition members, forcing the House to be adjourned till 2 pm.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices through seven major amendments to the 2024 Act. It provides for time-bound investigations and trials, Special Fast-Track Courts, Special Task Forces, Special Public Prosecutors, enhanced punishments, higher financial penalties and a streamlined appeals mechanism.
The NDA has lined up several young Members of Parliament to participate in the four-hour discussion on the Bill, including BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj and Tejasvi Surya. Other speakers are expected to include JDU's Alok Kumar Suman, TDP's Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde, NCP's Sunil Tatkare, Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel, LJP (Ram Vilas)'s Arun Bharti, along with allies Sharmila Sarkar and Mitali Bagh.
The meeting assumes significance as the Opposition has continued to disrupt Parliament, demanding accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged police action during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' protest and questioning the effectiveness of the proposed legislation.
At the previous NDA Parliamentary Party 'Mangal Milan' meeting on July 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the government "stands with the students" and stressed that paper leaks were a matter of national concern that should not be politicised.
Addressing reporters after that meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister had called for strict action against those involved in examination irregularities in consultation with legal experts and reiterated that protecting students' interests remained the government's priority. He also highlighted the government's focus on farmers' welfare while discussing recently signed Free Trade Agreements with various countries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm from the UK, but I follow Indian politics. This anti-paper leak bill sounds progressive. But is 'Mangal Milan' really the best use of weekly time? Seems like a lot of meetings for a coalition. Also, including breakaway parties feels like window dressing.
Good to see young MPs like Bansuri Swaraj and Tejasvi Surya getting speaking slots. But I wish the bill also addressed the root cause: why are so many exams happening? One national exam would solve so many problems. Still, better than nothing. 👏
As an American watching this, I'm amazed at how contentious Indian Parliament is. The 'Mangal Milan' name sounds like a wedding reception! But seriously, paper leaks ruin lives. Hope this bill actually works. The Opposition needs to move past the Amit Shah issue.
Why is the Opposition still crying about July 20? They should focus on the bill. The PM said we stand with students. That's the right message. Mangal Milan is a good platform to keep allies united. Our democracy works ✨
I'm skeptical. Another bill, another committee. Will it actually prevent paper leaks? We need more transparency in exam conducting bodies. The whole system needs an overhaul. But at least the government is talking about it. Let's see the final text.
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