Naveen Patnaik Demands Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

1. What Naveen Patnaik Said: Direct Resignation Demand

On 21 July 2026, former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik publicly demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in connection with the nationwide NEET-UG examination controversy.

Speaking to media reporters in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik stated unequivocally:

“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.”

He further described the unfolding situation as “very serious” and “very grave,” pointing to reports that several young student demonstrators had been violently attacked and injured during protest marches in the national capital.

2. Why the Demand Was Made: NEET Leaks and Police Action

The demand stems from the prolonged anger surrounding alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2026 competitive examination. Students across the country have been staging demonstrations, notably at Jantar Mantar and near Parliament in New Delhi, as well as holding solidarity rallies abroad near Indian embassies.

Patnaik condemned the high-handed police action against student demonstrators, instructing BJD Members of Parliament to raise the matter prominently in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. Additionally, he directed a BJD delegation to visit injured students receiving medical treatment at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in Delhi.

3. Political Context: BJD vs BJP Dynamics in Odisha & Delhi

This development marks the first instance where Naveen Patnaik has directly named Dharmendra Pradhan while pressing for a ministerial resignation. On July 20, 2026, Patnaik had posted a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting institutional accountability:

“A nation that compromises the integrity of its examination system compromises its own future.”

Dharmendra Pradhan, a senior BJP leader hailing from Odisha, has faced opposition calls for his resignation since initial paper leak allegations surfaced earlier in May-June 2026. Patnaik’s direct intervention adds significant regional and national momentum to opposition pressure.

4. Verification & Credible News Outlets

This report is compiled from verified coverage across leading national and regional publications including The Hindu (21–22 July 2026), The New Indian Express (22 July 2026), Deccan Chronicle (21 July 2026), and local Odisha broadcasting networks including Kanak News.

As of late July 22, 2026, no formal counter-statement has been released by the Union Ministry of Education specifically responding to Patnaik’s comments.