BJD to Intensify Odisha-Wide Protest, Demands Resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar, July 23: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday reaffirmed his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the Centre must be held accountable for the police action against students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak issue.
Speaking to reporters after returning to Bhubaneswar from New Delhi, Patnaik said the demand for Pradhan’s resignation was gaining momentum across the country following the alleged police assault on student protesters in the national capital. He announced that the BJD would intensify its agitation across Odisha to press for the Union Minister’s resignation.
Expressing concern over the incident, Patnaik said the alleged use of force against students had shocked the nation. He also criticised the reported rough treatment meted out to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and other senior political leaders during the protest, stating that the police response had raised serious questions about the handling of peaceful demonstrations.
Earlier, during his visit to New Delhi on Tuesday, Patnaik had described the alleged assault on students as a grave matter and demanded immediate accountability. He said the injuries sustained by the young protesters warranted the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
During his stay in the national capital, Patnaik held discussions with BJD Members of Parliament regarding the developments surrounding the protests and the subsequent police action.
A BJD delegation, led by Rajya Sabha MP and Parliamentary Party leader Manas Ranjan Mangaraj, also visited the injured students undergoing treatment at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi. The delegation enquired about their health and assured them of the party’s full support.
The BJD has further demanded a special discussion in Parliament on the alleged police assault on students. The party said it would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament until justice is ensured and accountability is fixed.
# agencies
