Naveen Patnaik, the President of Biju Janata Dal and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha, has condemned the police’s treatment of students and opposition leaders during recent protests related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Describing the police action as “shocking,” Patnaik has called for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, in light of the perceived mishandling of university examinations.

Speaking during a media interaction on July 22, 2026, Patnaik expressed concern over the nationwide agitation sparked by the police response to student protests. He stated that similar demonstrations would be organised in Odisha to express solidarity and outrage regarding the situation. He emphasised the collective shock felt across the nation regarding the police’s aggressive tactics against young protestors.

Opposition Leaders Detained Amid Protests

During a protest near Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with several other opposition figures, were reportedly detained following a police crackdown. This incident is part of a larger series of demonstrations led by the Congress, demanding accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Education Minister over the management of educational policies.

On July 20, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organised a ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, which escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement. Opposition leaders have decried the police actions, alleging that officers resorted to lathi-charge tactics and used tear gas against peaceful protestors. These incidents have amplified tensions surrounding the educational examination process in the country.

As a result of the ongoing unrest, opposition members adopted black attire in a symbolic protest located within Parliament grounds. Prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, participated, signifying their protest against governmental actions concerning education reforms and examination policies.

Legal Proceedings Follow Police Action

The Delhi High Court is now involved, as it issued notices to both the Central Government and Delhi Police regarding public interest litigations. These litigations allege that the police unlawfully used excessive force during the July 20 protests. The court has directed the authorities to preserve all relevant electronic records and CCTV footage associated with the incident.

A bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya has provided a deadline of four weeks for the respondents to submit their responses. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 11, which will address the claims of excessive police force in detail and explore the legal ramifications of the events that unfolded during the protests.

The directive to save CCTV footage aligns with standard operating procedures established for managing evidence related to public order issues. This legal scrutiny underscores the importance of accountability during protests and the need for procedural propriety within law enforcement operations.

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