NDA MPs expressed solidarity with Pradhan when he arrived in the Parliament complex on Monday NEW DELHI: “Nothing happened. I am a street fighter, not an AC-room activist,” was former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s riposte to Congress MP Jairam Ramesh’s “It happens” remarks to him as he came to Parliament Monday two days after quitting the post due to protests over paper leaks.BJP-led NDA MPs expressed solidarity with Pradhan when he arrived in the Parliament complex – the first time since 2014 as just an MP. Many raised “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad” slogan and escorted him inside. Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur placed a traditional Mithila Paag on his head while another MP honoured him with an ‘angavastram’.Seen together with senior ministers and party functionaries along with cadre visiting the ex-minister, the public display of support in the Parliament complex was seen as BJP’s way of sending a clear message that Pradhan’s resignation was no reflection on his work. MPs emphasised that Pradhan resigned even though there were no personal allegations against him.His combative response to Ramesh showed that Pradhan, buoyed by support from colleagues, may be getting ready to respond to personal attacks during any discussion on the NEET paper leak issue.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSonam 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’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake ContentWhy PM Modi Handed The Education Ministry To Pralhad Joshi?Bihar Police Officer Seen Firing AK-47 At Student Protestors Suspended; Opposition Mounts AttackMEA Debunks Viral Claim Misquoting Randhir Jaiswal On Alleged Foreign Funding Of CJP Protests’Breach Of Trust’: CJP Slams Centre, Says ‘Protesters Arrested In Assam, Bengal, Bihar’123PhotostoriesFrom maharanis to modern royals: The evolution of Indian royal ethnic fashionYour lymphatic system depends on movement: Here’s how lymphatic walking may help support better healthDengue can look like a simple viral fever at first: Doctor reveals the warning signs that help tell the difference before complications beginHandloom vs powerloom: Here’s how to tell the difference before you buyWhy ancient Indian brides didn’t use soap before their wedding: The science behind the haldi traditionOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot in this picture reveals your true inner power9 must-try Omelettes from around the world and what makes them so popularStudy says screen time may damage brain development in kids under two: 5 simple ways to keep toddlers happy without screensMonsoon Alert: 6 Signs there might be a snake near your homeThe hidden meaning of bridal kaleeras: Know the forgotten history behind Punjab’s most emotional wedding tradition123Hot PicksUP Police Constable ResultB Architecture admissionGold price predictionIndian rupeeUmar KhalidRupaidiha border crossingUP electionsTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi US Student DeathBihar Bandh ViolenceCWG ScheduleDelhi Metro New Interchange StationsBengaluru Mother SuicideNEET Aspirant SuicideMumbai ProtestJantar Mantar ProtestHarbhajan singhIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
NEW DELHI: “Nothing happened. I am a street fighter, not an AC-room activist,” was former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s riposte to Congress MP Jairam Ramesh’s “It happens” remarks to him as he came to Parliament Monday two days after quitting the post due to protests over paper leaks.BJP-led NDA MPs expressed solidarity with Pradhan when he arrived in the Parliament complex – the first time since 2014 as just an MP. Many raised “Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad” slogan and escorted him inside. Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur placed a traditional Mithila Paag on his head while another MP honoured him with an ‘angavastram’.Seen together with senior ministers and party functionaries along with cadre visiting the ex-minister, the public display of support in the Parliament complex was seen as BJP’s way of sending a clear message that Pradhan’s resignation was no reflection on his work. MPs emphasised that Pradhan resigned even though there were no personal allegations against him.His combative response to Ramesh showed that Pradhan, buoyed by support from colleagues, may be getting ready to respond to personal attacks during any discussion on the NEET paper leak issue.