Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik demands resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has formally called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following widespread protests over the NEET examination paper leak. Patnaik emphasized that the integrity of India's education system is at risk and urged the government to engage in dialogue with protesting students.
Why it matters
The NEET controversy represents a significant political challenge for the Modi administration, highlighting public distrust in national examination systems and youth-led civil unrest.
The Biju Janata Dal president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amidst mounting pressure on the Narendra Modi Government from opposition parties over NEET paper leak and examination reforms.
“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,” Mr. Patnaik said, taking the name of Mr. Pradhan for the first time in after the controversy erupted.
Terming the situation “very serious” and “very grave”, he said a number of students were violently attacked and injured. The protests were not limited to Delhi but had spread to several Indian cities and even before Indian embassies outside the country, the BJD president pointed out.
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