Odisha: Naveen Patnaik Calls For Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

Speaking after meeting BJD Members of Parliament during his visit to the national capital, Patnaik said he had reviewed the situation with the party’s MPs, who had also visited injured students in hospital.

“I have discussed the developments in Delhi with our party MPs. The situation, as we know, is very serious and grave. A number of young students have been violently attacked and injured. Our MPs visited the hospital to meet them and asked what they could do to help these young people who have been injured,” Patnaik said.

Describing the developments as a matter of national concern, the BJD chief said the protests had spread beyond Delhi to several cities across the country and had even reached Indian diplomatic missions abroad.

“This is a very serious matter. As you can see, the issue is not confined to Delhi but has spread to various cities across India and even to protests outside our embassies in several international capitals,” he said.

Responding to questions from the media on whether Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan should step down, Patnaik said several political parties had already demanded his resignation.

“I have been asked whether the education minister should resign. Many parties have demanded his resignation. Since serious injuries have been inflicted on young people, I believe that under these circumstances, he should resign,” Patnaik said.

The BJP had not issued an immediate response to Patnaik’s remarks at the time of filing this report.