Naveen Patnaik Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

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Naveen Patnaik demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET protest violence.
The BJD chief said students deserved dialogue, accountability and justice instead of confrontation.
BJD MPs will continue to raise the issue in Parliament while supporting injured students.

NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: Naveen Patnaik demands Dharmendra Pradhan resignation row intensified on Tuesday after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president said the Union Education Minister should step down, taking moral responsibility for the violence linked to protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. Patnaik described the incident as a serious challenge to democratic values and urged the Centre to respond with accountability and dialogue rather than confrontation.

The demand adds fresh political pressure on the Centre as concerns over examination transparency, student safety and institutional credibility continue to dominate the national debate. With Parliament in session, the issue is expected to remain at the centre of Opposition attacks.

Naveen Patnaik Demands Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation Over Student Violence

Speaking in New Delhi after meeting BJD Members of Parliament, Patnaik said the assault on protesting students had shocked the country and required accountability at the highest level. He argued that the Education Minister should accept moral responsibility for the violence and resign.

The former Odisha Chief Minister said protests had spread beyond Delhi, with demonstrations reported in several Indian cities and outside Indian diplomatic missions abroad. According to him, the widespread public response reflected growing concern over the handling of the NEET-UG controversy.

Patnaik also confirmed that he would return to Bhubaneswar due to prior commitments, while BJD MPs would continue to press the matter in Parliament and other appropriate forums.

BJD Pushes for Dialogue as NEET Protest Row Deepens

Patnaik reiterated that injured students should receive full support and said BJD MPs had visited hospitals to meet those hurt during the protests. He stressed that the focus should remain on protecting students’ interests rather than escalating political conflict.

The BJD leader also renewed his appeal to the Centre to engage directly with students through meaningful dialogue. He said democratic institutions become stronger when governments listen to young citizens and address their concerns through discussion instead of confrontation.

Naveen Patnaik Demands Dharmendra Pradhan Resignation Amid Political Pressure

The controversy follows clashes during the “Sansad Chalo” protest in New Delhi, where demonstrators sought action over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and wider concerns about the examination system. The violence has intensified calls from several Opposition parties for accountability and reforms.