Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress in Odisha on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the cancellation of the NEET-UG, alleging that he has “frequently failed” to maintain the sanctity of examinations.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak, with the government asking the CBI to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the “irregularities”.
Reacting sharply to the development, BJD president Naveen Patnaik said the cancellation of the NEET-UG is a severe blow to the sacred trust students repose in the examination system.
“When the sanctity of examinations is compromised, it is not just a lapse—it is a betrayal of lakhs of aspirants who studied with discipline, sacrificed comforts, and devoted sleepless nights to their preparation,” Naveen said in a post on X.
He said the development reflects a serious breach of confidence in national-level competitive examinations and undermines the faith of millions of aspirants and their families. “This is not the first time NEET papers have been leaked. The leaks deepen cynicism, heighten anxiety, and jeopardize the careers of hardworking students who expect fairness,” he said in his post.
The former Odisha Chief Minister further said that as a nation, India cannot afford to “gamble with the destiny of its youth.” He called for urgent steps to restore integrity in the examination system and ensure swift accountability.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, President of Biju Yuva Janata Dal Chinmaya Sahu and President of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal Ipsita Sahu alleged that the Central government has played with the future of 22 lakh students. The repeated incidents of NEET paper leaks four times have exposed the incompetence of the government.
Sahu alleged that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains constantly engaged in party activities while neglecting the responsibilities of his Ministry. Sahu questioned why Pradhan is able to efficiently manage election campaigns but unable to properly discharge the responsibilities of his own Ministry. If he is unable to fulfill his ministerial responsibilities, he should immediately resign on moral grounds, he said.
Similar demand was made by Congress with senior party leaders accusing Dharmendra Pradhan of having failed to discharge his responsibilities efficiently. Because of his repeated failures, Pradhan should stepped down as minister, Congress spokesperson Debasish Bhuyan told reporters.
