Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday criticised the alleged police action against protesters during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in New Delhi and called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Naveen described the issue as “very serious” and said the nationwide protests reflected growing public concern over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination.
“Several opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue of question paper leaks. Many young students were allegedly assaulted and injured during the protest. Under these circumstances, I believe he should resign,” Naveen said.
The BJD chief, who has been in the national capital for the past week, also held a meeting with the party’s five Rajya Sabha MPs to discuss the ongoing developments. He said the protests had spread across several cities in India and had also drawn attention from Indian communities abroad.
Naveen directed the party’s Members of Parliament to continue raising the matter during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. He also asked them to visit the injured protesters admitted to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi and extend support on behalf of the party.
Earlier in the day, BJD MPs staged a protest at Vijay Chowk, demanding accountability over the alleged use of force against demonstrators. The party maintained that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and urged the Centre to ensure the safety of citizens participating in such demonstrations.
The MPs also demanded that Parliament suspend its regular proceedings to allow a dedicated discussion on the NEET-UG paper leak issue and the handling of the protests.
Following Naveen Patnaik’s instructions, a BJD delegation led by Parliamentary Party leader Manas Mangaraj visited the injured protesters undergoing treatment at RML Hospital. The delegation enquired about their health, assured them of the party’s support, and conveyed Naveen Patnaik’s message of solidarity.
The BJD said it would continue to press for justice for the injured students and seek accountability from those responsible for the alleged police excesses.
