Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik has reiterated the call for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following the police assault on protesting students in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak. Patnaik expressed concern over nationwide protests against the alleged police violence on students and irregularities in competitive exams.
Patnaik announced that the BJD would continue organizing protests in Odisha regarding the NEET paper leak and the student assault in New Delhi on July 20. He emphasized the demand for Pradhan’s resignation, citing protests both in India and abroad. Patnaik also criticized the police actions towards protesting students and opposition leaders.
In response to Patnaik’s statements, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused him of failing to condemn violence by agitators before criticizing police actions. The BJP highlighted Patnaik’s alleged inaction during his tenure in addressing similar demands and agitations in Odisha.
Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling criticized Patnaik for lecturing on ethics and morality while ignoring examination irregularities during the BJD government’s rule. Mahaling pointed out various recruitment and examination controversies that occurred under the BJD regime, including paper leaks and recruitment irregularities.
