Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das criticized the Union Government for the NEET-UG -2026 paper leak, labeling it as an “organized crime” in the education system. He demanded strict action against those responsible, echoing concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi about the impact on students who had dedicated themselves to preparing for the exam. Das emphasized that the leak not only shattered students’ aspirations but also highlighted corruption within the examination process, with numerous incidents reported over the past decade.
Das highlighted the plight of the approximately 22 to 23 lakh students who took the NEET exam this year, emphasizing the serious consequences of the leak on their future. He called for immediate and severe punishment for the culprits involved in the scandal, stressing the need for accountability in the education sector. The Congress leader expressed concerns about the potential financial burden and uncertainty that a re-examination could bring, urging authorities to address the issue promptly.
During a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Congress leaders criticized student organizations protesting the paper leak and condemning Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They called for Pradhan’s resignation to uphold Odisha’s dignity and ensure a transparent investigation into the incident, holding those in charge accountable for the lapse in security and integrity.
