Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has renewed his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the ongoing NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Speaking in Bhubaneswar after returning from New Delhi, Patnaik said the examination issue had shocked the nation. He announced that the BJD would intensify its protests across Odisha in support of students demanding accountability.
Patnaik claimed that calls for Pradhan’s resignation were being raised across the country. He also said demonstrations related to the issue had taken place outside Indian embassies in some countries.
The BJD leader criticised the police over their handling of recent protests. He alleged that excessive force was used against students and several Opposition leaders during demonstrations.
Patnaik said his party would continue to raise the issue in Odisha and stand with students seeking a fair and transparent examination system.
The NEET-UG controversy has sparked protests in different parts of the country. Opposition parties have accused the Centre of failing to protect the integrity of competitive examinations, while the government has maintained that steps are being taken to strengthen the examination process.