Opposition attacks BJP over Dharmendra Pradhan’s felicitation after resignation NEW DELHI: A political row erupted in Parliament on Tuesday after the BJP’s public felicitation of former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. Congress leaders accused the ruling party of celebrating a minister who resigned amid one of the country’s biggest examination crises, saying he was welcomed “as if he were a superstar” and “had returned from a war against Pakistan”.The controversy stems from Monday’s scenes at the Parliament complex, where BJP and NDA MPs welcomed Pradhan with chants of “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad”, draped him in a traditional stole and cap, and escorted him into the House in a show of solidarity just two days after his resignation.What opposition saidCongress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led the opposition’s attack, calling it “shameful” that BJP MPs welcomed Pradhan in Parliament despite his resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. “Don’t you think it is shameful? Everyone saw the circumstances under which Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, but yesterday in the Parliament premises, he was welcomed as if he were a superstar!” she said. She also accused the government of continuing to target students despite the controversy. “No one can trust the Modi government, because even today, students are being harassed. I saw some Instagram handles with photographs of women alleging that they did such and such thing…Do you want to engage in talks to resolve this matter or you are still after the students, wanting to suppress them? This is wrong,” Priyanka Gandhi said. Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed the criticism, saying Pradhan had been welcomed “as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan.” “…21 children lost their lives; they committed suicide. The minister under whose watch 21 children lost their lives, when he resigned from his post and returned to the House yesterday, you garlanded him as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan,” Gogoi said.The BJP’s show of solidarity came after Pradhan resigned on Saturday following sustained protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. He has since been replaced by Union minister Prahlad Joshi. Meanwhile, the government has announced a series of measures to overhaul the examination system, including a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani, proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak law, and fast-track courts to deal with examination fraud cases.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Govt Tables Anti-Paper Leak Bill In Lok Sabha: Up To 10 Years Jail, ₹10 Cr Fine & MoreSupreme Court Backs Independent Probe Into Alleged Police Excesses During NEET Protests NationwidePM Modi’s Facebook Post Blocked: Is India’s Digital Sovereignty At Stake?Wangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ Families123PhotostoriesHow to identify fake Chikankari: 4 signs every shopper should knowInside Shreya Kalra’s lavish Mumbai home: A luxe Bar, dreamy walk-in closet and moreSpiritual quotes by famous Gurus according to your birth date5 forgotten Ayurvedic hair oils that were used before Bhringraj became popular11 temples in India that offer the most delicious prasad5 longest urban beaches in the world: The second one is in IndiaFrom hardship to historic win atCommonwealth Games: The inspiring journey of Sharmila DhankarFrom Zendaya to Shakira, Drake and Cher: REASON why THESE celebrities use their FIRST NAME9 Meditation practices for your date of birth5 yellow-leaf plants to add glamour and luxury to your garden123Hot PicksH.C. 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NEW DELHI: A political row erupted in Parliament on Tuesday after the BJP’s public felicitation of former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. Congress leaders accused the ruling party of celebrating a minister who resigned amid one of the country’s biggest examination crises, saying he was welcomed “as if he were a superstar” and “had returned from a war against Pakistan”.The controversy stems from Monday’s scenes at the Parliament complex, where BJP and NDA MPs welcomed Pradhan with chants of “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad”, draped him in a traditional stole and cap, and escorted him into the House in a show of solidarity just two days after his resignation.
What opposition said
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra led the opposition’s attack, calling it “shameful” that BJP MPs welcomed Pradhan in Parliament despite his resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. “Don’t you think it is shameful? Everyone saw the circumstances under which Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, but yesterday in the Parliament premises, he was welcomed as if he were a superstar!” she said. She also accused the government of continuing to target students despite the controversy. “No one can trust the Modi government, because even today, students are being harassed. I saw some Instagram handles with photographs of women alleging that they did such and such thing…Do you want to engage in talks to resolve this matter or you are still after the students, wanting to suppress them? This is wrong,” Priyanka Gandhi said. Speaking during the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi echoed the criticism, saying Pradhan had been welcomed “as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan.” “…21 children lost their lives; they committed suicide. The minister under whose watch 21 children lost their lives, when he resigned from his post and returned to the House yesterday, you garlanded him as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan,” Gogoi said.The BJP’s show of solidarity came after Pradhan resigned on Saturday following sustained protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. He has since been replaced by Union minister Prahlad Joshi. Meanwhile, the government has announced a series of measures to overhaul the examination system, including a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani, proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak law, and fast-track courts to deal with examination fraud cases.
