Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday intensified its attack on the Odisha government over the alleged postgraduate (PG) medical examination paper leak at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, demanding the immediate resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and a thorough investigation into the incident.

MKCG Medical College PG Exam paper leak sparks political row in Odisha

Addressing the media, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo alleged that repeated examination paper leaks under the BJP government had eroded the credibility of the state's education and examination system.

Drawing a comparison with the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sahoo remarked that while the country witnesses one IPL cricket tournament every year, Odisha was witnessing an “Indian Paper Leak” almost every month.

“Parliament is discussing anti-paper leak legislation and even Union Education Minister has resigned over such controversies. But in Odisha, question papers and answer keys are being leaked due to the government's negligence. A few dishonest candidates are affecting the future of meritorious students,” he said.

Referring to the alleged leak of the Surgery Department question paper during the PG examination at MKCG Medical College, Sahoo claimed that paper leaks had become a recurring phenomenon in the state.

“During the BJP government's 24 months in office, there have been 23 instances of paper leaks. The government is setting a record for the wrong reasons. Floods are affecting people, examination papers are being leaked, yet the Chief Minister remains occupied in Delhi,” he alleged.

The BJD leader said that if accountability had been fixed in previous cases, the situation would have improved. “We demand that the Health Minister resign immediately. Only then can meaningful reforms take place at the grassroots level,” he added.

Senior BJD leader Pratap Jena also questioned the functioning of the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) and alleged irregularities in the appointment of its Controller of Examinations.

“The state government appears to have lost control over the system. There are serious questions regarding the appointment of the OUHS Controller of Examinations. How are mobile phones reaching examination halls despite strict checking? These issues require a comprehensive investigation,” Jena said.

He further demanded that the state government conduct an independent probe and take stringent action against those responsible.

The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that question papers for the PG examinations conducted under the Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) were leaked and circulated through multiple WhatsApp groups before the examination.

Sources claimed that photographs of question papers were shared among students ahead of the July 27 examination and that answers were subsequently circulated in the same groups, potentially giving some candidates an unfair advantage.

Suspicion has reportedly fallen on a medical student and a senior staff member for their alleged involvement in the leak. There are also allegations that the leaked papers were sold for substantial amounts of money and circulated beyond MKCG Medical College, including to a private medical institution in Bhubaneswar.

OUHS forms five-member panel to probe MKCG PG paper leak

Following the allegations, the Odisha University of Health Sciences constituted a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee has been directed to complete its probe and submit a report within 72 hours. University authorities have also stated that the team may seek assistance from the Cyber Cell if required.

MKCG Medical College Dean Dr. Harikrushna Dalai confirmed that an internal investigation is underway and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.

The incident has triggered widespread concern among students and academicians, with growing demands for transparency, accountability and stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of professional examinations in the state.