Dharmendra Pradhan gets hero's welcome at Parliament; NDA MPs raise 'Zindabad' slogans

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a ceremonial welcome from National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders upon his arrival at Parliament on Monday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs gathered at the Makar Dwar entrance to show solidarity with Pradhan, who resigned two days prior following intense nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak. Colleagues escorted him into the complex and presented him with a ceremonial cap in a strong demonstration of party backing.

Simultaneously, Opposition leaders led by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a demonstration within the Parliament complex, protesting the alleged use of excessive police force against demonstrating students. Raising slogans of "Shiksha Chori" (theft of education), the Opposition demanded a formal apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over reported police brutality during student marches. The standoff underscored the ongoing political tension surrounding the government's handling of the paper leak controversy.

The political friction unfolded as Parliament prepared to consider the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at tightening legal frameworks against examination malpractices. Pradhan had announced his resignation on July 25, stating his decision was taken to protect students' futures and prevent anti-national elements from exploiting the agitation. His exit fulfilled a central demand of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led movement, which subsequently agreed to call off its demonstrations following talks with the government.