Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik demands Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

Naveen Patnaik backed students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and sought Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The BJD also demanded accountability for police action and an impartial probe into the clashes.Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (File photo)Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday extended his support to students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak, calling the situation "very serious" and backing the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.In a statement, Patnaik alleged that several young students were "violently attacked and injured" during the protest. He directed BJD Members of Parliament to visit hospitals, meet the injured students and extend all possible assistance."The situation is very serious and very grave. Many young students have been violently attacked and injured," Patnaik said while expressing solidarity with the protesters.The BJD also said its Rajya Sabha MPs visited students undergoing treatment at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital following the clashes during the protest near Parliament. The party said its MPs conveyed their condolences to the injured students and assured them of support. ISSUES RAISED BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PARLIAMENTAccording to the statement, the BJD raised the issue both inside and outside Parliament, demanding accountability for the police action. The party also sought a separate discussion in Parliament on what it described as the "brutal police attack" on students protesting over the NEET paper leak.In its statement, the BJD accused the Centre of attempting to suppress the voice of students instead of addressing their concerns. The party demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged police excesses and reiterated its support for students seeking a fair probe into the NEET controversy.The remarks come amid mounting political pressure over the handling of the NEET paper leak issue, with opposition parties demanding a discussion in Parliament and action against those responsible. BJD's support adds to the growing chorus of opposition voices backing the student protesters and calling for accountability from the Union government.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Jul 22, 2026 13:33 IST