Bhubaneswar: Stepping up the Opposition’s attack on the Centre over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the violence during the “Sansad Chalo” protest in New Delhi, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying the minister must take moral responsibility for the violence.
Calling the incident “very serious and grave”, Patnaik said the assault on students had shaken the conscience of the nation and underscored the need for accountability at the highest level. He said the Education Minister should resign in view of the violence and the growing public anger over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
Speaking to mediapersons in New Delhi after meeting BJD Members of Parliament, Patnaik said the party would continue to raise the issue in Parliament and ensure that students’ concerns were not ignored.
“I just had a meeting with our BJD MPs on the serious developments unfolding in Delhi. I had delivered a detailed speech on this issue a few days ago, which was widely covered by the national media. As you know, the situation is extremely serious and grave,” Patnaik said.
Expressing concern over the fallout of the incident, the former Odisha Chief Minister said it had triggered widespread outrage, with protests taking place not only in Delhi but also in several cities across the country, as well as outside Indian embassies in various international capitals.
Patnaik said he would return to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday due to prior commitments but made it clear that BJD MPs would continue to raise the issue in Parliament and at every appropriate forum.
“A number of young students have been violently attacked and injured. Our BJD MPs have visited the hospital to meet them and have assured the injured students of all possible assistance. As I said, this is a very serious matter. You can see the situation not only in Delhi but also in various cities across India, and even outside Indian embassies in several international capitals. I have to return to Bhubaneswar tomorrow morning due to important engagements. However, our MPs will continue to take up this matter very seriously,” he added.
Patnaik said several political parties had already demanded the Education Minister’s resignation and that he shared the same view.
“I have also been asked whether the Education Minister should resign. Many parties have demanded his resignation, as several young people have sustained serious injuries. Under these circumstances, I think he should resign. Thank you very much,” he said.
The BJD chief had earlier urged the Centre to engage with the protesting students through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“Politics aside, I urge the government to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the students who have been peacefully protesting for days. They must be given a platform to express their views. A vibrant democracy advances through dialogue, not silence—and this dialogue is most vital when it involves the youth of the nation. The children and young people of India are looking to us for leadership. We cannot fail them,” Patnaik said.
The clashes broke out on Monday during the “Sansad Chalo” march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with support from engineer and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk.
The protesters were demanding action over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and broader irregularities in the country’s examination system.
The march turned violent after protesters clashed with Delhi Police, leaving several students injured.
