Bhubaneswar, 22 July (H.S.): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday reiterated his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak controversy. He also announced that the party would intensify its agitation across Odisha in support of students protesting the alleged irregularities in the examination process.

Speaking to reporters at the Biju Patnaik International Airport after returning from New Delhi, Patnaik said the developments surrounding the examination had sparked widespread concern across the country and called for accountability.

“There is an agitation across the country over what has happened to young students and the university examinations, which has shocked the entire nation. We will also organise protests across Odisha,” Patnaik said.

Reiterating his demand for the Union Education Minister’s resignation, the BJD chief claimed that similar demands were being raised nationwide and by demonstrators outside Indian embassies in several countries.

“People across the country are demanding his resignation. Protests are taking place not only in India but also outside our embassies abroad. After what has happened with these university examinations, I believe he should resign,” he said.

Patnaik also criticised the police action during the protests, alleging that excessive force had been used against students and Opposition leaders.

“Everyone is deeply disturbed by the unnecessary police action against young students. Yesterday, we also witnessed the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and several senior political leaders being handled roughly by the police. It is shocking,” he said.

The former Chief Minister asserted that the BJD would continue to raise the issue in Odisha and stand in solidarity with students protesting the alleged examination irregularities.

The NEET-UG paper leak controversy has triggered protests in several parts of the country, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations and demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry. The Centre, meanwhile, has maintained that necessary steps are being taken to investigate the matter and strengthen the examination system.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda