Dharmendra Pradhan's Past Protest Against Question Paper Leaks Resurfaces Amid NEET Controversy The current controversy surrounding the NEET UG exam question paper leak has reignited public debate over the actions of Dharmendra Pradhan, India’s central education minister. As protests against the leak spread across the country, social media platforms have revived discussions about Pradhan’s past involvement in a 1997 protest against question paper leaks in Odisha. A 2021 report by The New Indian Express highlighted his role in that incident, sparking renewed scrutiny of his leadership and decisions today. The 1997 protest in Odisha occurred during the tenure of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, which was in the process of securing a majority in the Lok Sabha. At the time, Pradhan was a key figure in the All India Bhartiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP), a student organization affiliated with the BJP. The protest was organized by ABVP against the Odisha state government, which was led by the Congress party. The incident involved approximately 1,500 students demanding accountability for the leak of question papers, a practice that had become widespread in Indian education. According to the 2021 report, Pradhan played a central role in organizing the protest. During the demonstrations, police used lathi charges, and Pradhan sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractured bones. Despite the violence, he continued to lead the movement, which eventually gained national attention. The incident marked a turning point in his political career, establishing him as a prominent student leader. Pradhan’s involvement in the 1997 protest coincided with his growing influence in Odisha’s political landscape.#odisha #dharmendra_pradhan #atal_bihari_vajpayee #all_india_bhartiya_vidya_parishad #neet_ug_exam
