Just two days after resigning as Union Education Minister amid intense nationwide protests over repeated examination paper leaks, BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan made a notable return to Parliament today, receiving a robust show of solidarity from his party colleagues that stood in sharp contrast to vociferous protests from the Opposition benches.
As Mr. Pradhan arrived at the Makar Dwar entrance of the Parliament complex this morning, a group of BJP and NDA Lok Sabha MPs awaited him. They greeted the former minister with enthusiastic chants of ‘Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad,’ draped a shawl around his shoulders, and presented him with a traditional ceremonial cap (pag) in a visible display of party backing. MP Pradhan responded with folded hands and smiles, acknowledging the warm reception as he was escorted inside. The gesture underscored the BJP’s stance that Pradhan had taken moral responsibility for the controversies, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, while continuing to enjoy strong internal support.
Later in the day, as proceedings wrapped up, Mr. Pradhan was again surrounded by colleagues offering congratulations before he proceeded to the office of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav.
Opposition leaders protest
Opposition MPs, however, responded with immediate disapproval. They staged protests within the Parliament complex, raising slogans and displaying placards that criticized the government’s handling of the education system and accused it of failing students.
Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were seen participating in demonstrations highlighting ‘Shiksha Chori’ (theft of education) and demanding accountability for police actions against student protesters earlier in the month.
The day’s events unfolded against the backdrop of a disrupted Monsoon Session. The Lok Sabha saw repeated adjournments due to ruckus over the paper leak issue and alleged excesses during student marches.
Government comes up with a new Bill
The government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha through Minister Jitendra Singh. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen penalties for leaks and malpractices, raising jail terms to 5-10 years and fines significantly, building on the 2024 Act, with provisions for faster probes and specialized courts.
Opposition parties pressed for a thorough discussion and scrutiny of the Bill, arguing that past assurances on exam integrity had fallen short. They also sought statements on police actions during protests, including lathi charges and use of force, with some leaders like Rahul Gandhi demanding an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah.
In one lighter, unexpected moment amid the tensions, BJP MP Pradhan encountered Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh near the exit. The two political rivals exchanged warm greetings. Mr. Pradhan reportedly shared an anecdote from the Vajpayee era and described himself as a ‘street fighter’ rather than an ‘AC room activist’ when offered sympathies over his resignation.
Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25 followed weeks of student-led agitations, primarily organized under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) banner at Jantar Mantar, which spread across the nation. Protesters had demanded his ouster, systemic reforms, and justice for affected students following irregularities in NEET and other exams. His exit, along with government promises on fast-track courts and the new Bill, reportedly contributed to the winding down of the main protest camp.