Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying he should take responsibility for the violence against students protesting in the national capital.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with BJD Members of Parliament, Patnaik described the developments in Delhi as “very serious” and “very grave”, alleging that several young students had been “violently attacked and injured”.
He said BJD MPs had visited the injured students in hospital to express solidarity and offer all possible assistance.
“Our MPs have been to the hospital to meet the injured students and assured them of whatever support they can provide,” he said.
Patnaik said the agitation had spread beyond Delhi, with demonstrations being held in several cities across the country as well as outside Indian embassies in different parts of the world, reflecting growing concern over the incident.
He said he would return to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, while BJD MPs would continue to pursue the matter vigorously in Parliament.
Asked whether Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign, Patnaik said the gravity of the incident warranted accountability.
“Many political parties have already demanded his resignation. Considering the serious injuries suffered by these young students, I believe he should resign,” he said.
Patnaik’s remarks assume significance as they come amid mounting political criticism over the alleged police action against student protesters in Delhi.
The BJD has condemned the violence, with its MPs visiting the injured students and the party vowing to raise the issue forcefully both inside and outside Parliament.