Bhubaneswar, May 12 (IANS) Odisha Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Chief, Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday described the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 following reports of a paper leak as a severe blow to the sacred trust students repose in the examination system in the country, calling it a betrayal of lakhs of aspirants.

Taking to his official X account, Patnaik said, “When the sanctity of examinations is compromised, it is not just a lapse — it is a betrayal of lakhs of aspirants who studied with discipline, sacrificed comforts, and devoted sleepless nights to their preparation.”

The former Chief Minister added that this was not the first instance of a NEET question paper leak.

He said that such paper leaks deepen cynicism, heighten anxiety, and jeopardise the careers of hardworking students who expect fairness.

He also emphasised that accountability must be fixed for this paper leak to restore the student’s trust in the examination system.

“As a nation, we cannot gamble with the destiny of our youth — the future of India. The time has come to reestablish integrity in the examination process. Accountability must be swiftly fixed to restore students’ trust. The system must reassure every student that their sweat and perseverance will never be undermined again by lapses,” Patnaik said.

Meanwhile, in a press conference held at the party headquarters on Tuesday, the BJD leaders strongly criticised the BJP government, saying that the cancellation of examinations due to paper leaks has become a routine occurrence under its rule.

The BJD alleged that the BJP, which came to power promising the dream of a “New India”, is now creating an identity of “Leak India”.

It also alleged that the NEET examination has been cancelled four times in the last six years.

The BJD also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on moral grounds, alleging that the Central government has been playing with the future of 22 lakh students.

Notably, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 and announced that the exam would be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately.

The NTA issued an official statement on the social media platform X, saying that the decision was taken after examining inputs received from central agencies and law enforcement authorities regarding alleged irregularities in the examination process.

–IANS

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