Bhubaneswar, July 22: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday reiterated his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. He also announced that the BJD would intensify its agitation across Odisha in support of students protesting the controversy.

Speaking to reporters at the Biju Patnaik International Airport after returning from New Delhi, Patnaik said the alleged irregularities in the examination had triggered widespread concern across the country and called for accountability.

He stated that the issue had deeply affected students and their families, adding that the controversy surrounding the examination had "shocked the entire nation." Patnaik said the BJD would organise protests across Odisha to express solidarity with agitating students and raise the issue at different forums.

The former Chief Minister further claimed that demands for the resignation of the Union Education Minister were being raised in different parts of the country. He also alleged that demonstrations over the issue had extended beyond India, with protests reportedly taking place outside Indian embassies in some foreign countries.

Patnaik also criticised the handling of the protests by the police, alleging that excessive force had been used against students and Opposition leaders during demonstrations. He expressed concern over what he described as the rough treatment meted out to protesters, including senior political leaders.

Reaffirming the BJD's stand, Patnaik said the party would continue to raise the issue until the concerns of students were addressed. He asserted that the BJD stands firmly with students seeking a fair and transparent examination system and would strengthen its statewide agitation in the coming days.

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