Naveen Patnaik Hails the Nation’s Youth as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Steps Down

Delhi was buzzing for days, the kind of buzz that only a massive student movement can create. It all started when the NEET answer key leaked online, sparking anger that quickly turned into a nationwide protest. The most visible of those protests was a sit‑in at Jantar Mantar, organised by the quirky‑named Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), and a 26‑day hunger strike led by activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Under that pressure, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan finally handed in his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his letter he claimed he didn’t want “anti‑national forces” to hijack the genuine concerns of students. It was a dramatic moment, one that many saw as a victory for the thousands who took to the streets.

On Saturday, Naveen Patnaik – the Biju Janata Dal chief and Odisha’s Leader of the Opposition – posted a short video that went viral. “Gen Z, I’m proud of all of you. You are indeed the strength of our democracy,” he said, his tone a mix of admiration and relief. The leader’s words struck a chord; they felt like a father’s nod to his restless children.

Patnaik’s party had already signalled its support for the students, condemning the police’s heavy‑handed tactics on July 20. “We stand with the youth and their demand for a clean, transparent examination system,” a BJD spokesperson told reporters.

In a surprising turn, the CJP announced it was withdrawing its agitation. Spokesperson Saurav Das explained that the decision was made “in good faith” after the centre pledged compensation for families of NEET aspirants who had taken their own lives and promised to drop FIRs lodged against protesters.

Union Minister JP Nadda later addressed the media at the Constitution Club. He said the government had taken note of the CJP’s five‑point charter on examination reforms and would “think deeply” about each demand. “We have sympathetically considered all the points raised and will act where possible,” he added.

The episode, still unfolding, has turned the spotlight on how student activism can sway the highest echelons of power. For now, the streets are quieter, the protests paused, and a generation of young Indians feels a little more heard – at least for the moment.