“I have not done anything wrong by recommending the name of the college as a centre. As MP, we write hundreds of letters to the government on the basis of various petitions. This is just a ploy to dilute the main issue by dragging in my name. All culprits should be arrested immediately and a judicial inquiry should be ordered into the issue,” Das told The Telegraph over phone.

However, the Opposition retaliated saying the government was trying to fool the public. Demanding either a judicial or a CBI inquiry into the question leak issue, they said a racket was behind the incident and the higher education minister’s relatives were involved in it.

Patra said: “The Opposition should not make wild allegations. If anyone proves that me or my family is behind the unfortunate incident, I will resign from public life forever. We are taking necessary security measures so that such incidents (question leak) are not repeated.”

The higher education minister also warned that colleges would lose their affiliation and recognition if they violate the exam security measures.

The minister also said that question packets will be opened and answer sheets sealed only in the presence of appointed supervisors.

Coming to the minister’s rescue, Pipili’s BJD MLA Pradeep Maharathy said the minister alone should not be held responsible for the leak and that action should also be initiated against the authorities of Council of Higher Secondary Education, including its chairman, secretary and controller of examinations.