Odisha's Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Calls for Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan The former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has publicly demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the escalating crisis surrounding the NEET paper leak and ongoing examination reforms. Patnaik, who is also the president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), made the statement on July 21, 2026, as part of a broader political pressure on the Narendra Modi government. He emphasized that the situation had reached a "very serious" and "very grave" stage, with reports of students being violently attacked and injured during protests. Patnaik’s remarks followed intense scrutiny of the Union Education Ministry’s handling of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) paper leak scandal, which has sparked nationwide protests. He stated that opposition parties had been demanding Pradhan’s resignation, and he aligned himself with this call, asserting that the minister should step down. "I have been asked whether the Union Education Minister should resign. Many Opposition parties have been demanding for his resignation. I think he should resign," Patnaik said, marking the first time he directly named Pradhan in the controversy. The protests, which began as a response to the alleged leak of NEET question papers, have spread beyond Delhi to multiple cities across India and even to Indian embassies abroad. Patnaik highlighted the widespread nature of the unrest, noting that the issue had transcended regional boundaries and affected millions of students. He urged the government to address the crisis with urgency, stating, "A nation that compromises the integrity of its examination system compromises its own future.#naveen_patnaik #bjd #narendra_moddi #dharmendra_pradhan #neet_paper_leak
