NEET Paper Leak / Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan Calls Current Student Protest an ‘Anarchy Movement’

Bhubaneswar, July 23: Senior BJP leader and Odisha Law Minister Pritiviraj Harichandan on Thursday described the ongoing student protests over the NEET paper leak as politically motivated, alleging that they were aimed at creating “anarchy” in the country rather than addressing genuine student concerns.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s state office here , Harichandan said the Centre acted swiftly after the NEET paper leak by cancelling the examination, ordering an investigation, and arresting the accused. He added that the re-examination was conducted successfully under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, with results already declared and admissions underway.

Harichandan alleged that opposition parties, including Congress, AAP, and Left groups, were exploiting the issue to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that slogans supporting terrorism and anti-national sentiments were being raised under the guise of student protests. “This is not a student movement, but an attempt to create chaos in the country,” he said.

He further accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of politicising the issue and avoiding parliamentary debate on NEET. “The government is ready to discuss NEET and every related matter in Parliament, but Rahul Gandhi is running away from debate,” Harichandan remarked.

Highlighting the government’s measures, Harichandan said fast-track courts would be set up to ensure swift punishment for those guilty of paper leaks. He contrasted the BJP government’s actions with the Congress era, claiming that as many as 69 paper leaks occurred during UPA rule. He also pointed to increased education budgets and expansion of institutions under the Modi government.

Harichandan criticised former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for failing to act on multiple paper leak incidents in the state during his tenure, calling his remarks “hypocritical.”

The BJP leader urged students not to be misled by politically motivated protests and instead focus on building their careers and contributing to a “developed India and prosperous Odisha.”