Odisha ex-CM Patnaik demands minister's resignation over exam leaks

Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former chief minister of Odisha, has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Patnaik cited alleged examination irregularities and the "violent attacks" on protesting students as reasons for his demand.

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A number of young students have been violently attacked and injured.

Patnaik described the situation as "very serious" and "very grave," highlighting that protests against alleged paper leaks have spread beyond New Delhi to several Indian cities and even to areas near Indian embassies in foreign capitals. BJD Members of Parliament visited hospitals to meet injured students and offer assistance.

Speaking after a meeting with BJD Rajya Sabha MPs in New Delhi, Patnaik stated, "Like all these serious injuries of young people have been taking place, so under the circumstances I think he should resign." He had previously called for a detailed parliamentary discussion on examination paper leaks, emphasizing that the controversy undermines public trust in India's education system.

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Like all these serious injuries of young people have been taking place, so under the circumstances I think he should resign.

Patnaik urged the government to engage in dialogue with protesting students, stating, "A vibrant democracy advances through dialogue, not silence." He stressed the need for accountability for what he termed a "lapse of trust" and called for concrete reforms to prevent recurring paper leaks, flawed assessments, and systemic failures.

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This grave issue, affecting millions of students across the country, must be taken up in Parliament as the highest priority.

While Patnaik plans to return to Bhubaneswar for official matters, BJD MPs will continue to pursue the issue in Parliament. The former Odisha CM also emphasized that this "grave issue, affecting millions of students across the country, must be taken up in Parliament as the highest priority."

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A vibrant democracy advances through dialogue, not silence.