A political row erupted in Parliament on Tuesday after the Bharatiya Janata Party publicly felicitated former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan following his resignation over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, according to news reports from New Delhi. Congress leaders sharply criticized the ruling party for celebrating a minister who stepped down amid one of the country’s biggest examination crises, stating that he was welcomed “as if he were a superstar” and “had returned from a war against Pakistan.”
The controversy stems from Monday scenes at the Parliament complex, where BJP and NDA members of Parliament 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. Pradhan had resigned on Saturday following sustained protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, and he has since been replaced by Union minister Prahlad Joshi, as reported.
Opposition Criticism and Statements in Parliament
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, according to the sourced accounts. She also accused the government of continuing to target students despite the controversy, adding that no one can trust the administration because students are still being harassed.
Did You Know? Former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following sustained protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and has since been replaced by Union minister Prahlad Joshi.
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 regarding the public reception. Gogoi stated that Pradhan had been welcomed “as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan,” noting that 21 children lost their lives through suicide under his watch before he returned to the House to be garlanded.
Government Measures and Examination System Overhaul
Amid the ongoing political fallout and opposition scrutiny over examination fraud, the government has announced a series of measures to overhaul the examination system. These steps include 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, according to the official updates released following the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dharmendra Pradhan resign?
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from his post as Union education minister on Saturday following sustained protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Who replaced Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister?
Union minister Prahlad Joshi has replaced Dharmendra Pradhan following his resignation.
What measures has the government announced to address examination fraud?
The government announced a series of measures, 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.
How do you view the government’s approach to handling the examination crisis and the subsequent political fallout in Parliament?