Naveen Patnaik asks Centre to initiate dialogue with students

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday (July 19, 2026) urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with students who have been protesting peacefully for bringing reforms in examination process and restoring faith of students in the system and take up the issue for debate in Parliament.

“India too has made remarkable progress because of the strength of its education system. It has nurtured generations of brilliant doctors, scientists, engineers, teachers, and innovators who have shaped modern India. Today, however, trust in this system stands broken. The damage goes far beyond a failed exam,” Mr. Patnaik said, in a post on X.

Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike: Follow LIVE updates on July 19, 2026

Stating that for millions of children in India, education remains the only path to a brighter future and every developed nation is built upon a strong education system and a transparent, credible examination process, he said, “it (mismanagement of education system) shatters faith in the very foundation of education system. It tells deserving students that hard work no longer matters, and robs them of their only ladder out of poverty.”

“A nation that compromises the integrity of its examination system, compromises its own future. This grave issue, affecting millions of students across the country, must be taken up in Parliament as the highest priority,” said Mr. Patnaik.

“It deserves a thorough debate in the temple of our democracy, leading to concrete reforms that ensure paper leaks, flawed assessments, and systemic failures are never repeated. Accountability must also be fixed for this lapse of trust,” the veteran politician demanded.

“Politics aside, I urge the government to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the students who have been peacefully protesting for days. They must be given a platform to express their views. A vibrant democracy advances through dialogue, not silence and this dialogue is most vital when it involves the youth of the nation,” he pointed out.

“The children and young people of India are looking to us for leadership. We cannot fail them. Sincere, open-minded dialogue with the peaceful youth protestors will help restore faith in our democracy, in our education system, and in the leadership entrusted with shaping their future. The BJD stands firmly with the youth and students of the country,” said former CM.

Mr. Patnaik’s backing for students demanding resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and transparent education system has come at a time when activist Sonam Wangchuk, recuperating at Delhi’s Safdarjung hospital, continued to stick his earlier announcement of marching to Parliament when it resumes for the Monsoon Session on Monday. Mr. Wangchuk had been continuing hunger strike over the alleged NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar before he was admitted to hospital. In Odisha, the BJD had staged multiple demonstrations demanding resignation of Mr. Pradhan.