Bhubaneswar: Demanding a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, the Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) held statewide protests across Odisha on Wednesday.

In Bhubaneswar, a protest meeting was held in front of the Utkal University under the leadership of BYJD state president Chinmay Sahu and BCJD president Ipsita Sahu. Hundreds of students and youth workers participated in the demonstration, raising slogans against the Central government.

Similar protests and rallies were organised in several districts. In Cuttack, a large demonstration took place in front of Christ College. Agitations were also reported from Berhampur, Baripada, Angul, Jajpur, Balasore and other parts of the state.

The protesting student and youth leaders called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him morally responsible for the controversy.

The protestors alleged the NEET paper leak has jeopardised the future of lakhs of aspirants across the country. They further claimed repeated incidents of question paper leaks and examination irregularities reflect the failure of the Central government to ensure a fair and transparent system.

Members of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal warned if stringent action is not taken by the Centre, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days.