Why is Dharmendra Pradhan in the Spotlight? Controversy Surrounds His Return to Parliament

BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan's return to Parliament has sparked a wave of controversy following his resignation as Union education minister amid student protests over the NEET issue. While some party members welcomed him with traditional honors, opposition leaders criticized the government for failing to address serious concerns regarding education reform. Congress representatives have accused the BJP of superficial legislative efforts and questioned the government's commitment to genuine change. As tensions rise, the introduction of a new anti-paper leak bill adds to the ongoing debate about the future of India's education system. This article delves into the reactions and implications of Pradhan's controversial welcome.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 14:56 IST

Dharmendra Pradhan's Return Sparks Mixed Reactions

New Delhi: BJP figure Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down as Union education minister amid student protests regarding the NEET issue, received a warm welcome from some party members in the Parliament complex on Monday, complete with a traditional cap and stole, as chants of 'Pradhan Zindabad' echoed.

In contrast, opposition members voiced their dissent, chanting 'Chor Chor, Paper Chor' and criticizing the ruling party for honoring Pradhan.

Congress leader Pawan Khera remarked that the same individuals who welcomed Pradhan had previously shown support for those involved in the Bilkis Bano case. He labeled Pradhan an 'RSS hero' for promoting the organization's agenda during his tenure in the education ministry, asserting that the public is now aware of his true character as reflected on social media and in public demonstrations.

Congress's deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, accused the BJP government of lacking genuine commitment to reforming the education sector, dismissing the proposed anti-paper leak legislation as merely superficial.

Gogoi expressed skepticism about the government's intentions, stating, 'This government is not serious about reforming the Indian education system. They have introduced a cosmetic Bill... A key figure in a previous scandal was acquitted due to insufficient evidence, raising questions about the effectiveness of this fast-track amendment Bill. The BJP seems intent on shielding those involved in such scams.'

He further criticized the announcement of a new high-powered committee for education reforms, questioning the efficacy of a similar committee led by K Radhakrishnan that was established two years ago but failed to produce results.

Gogoi pointed out that Prime Minister Modi is promoting this new committee as a significant reform, despite the previous committee's lack of action, suggesting that the BJP government is not genuinely interested in overhauling the education system.

On Sunday, PM Modi revealed the formation of a high-powered task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, aimed at recommending measures to prevent exam leaks.

Gogoi also criticized the police's response to student protests on July 20, alleging that the government is attempting to shield Home Minister Amit Shah while students in BJP-governed states face FIRs and arrests, instilling fear of retaliation. He reiterated the opposition's demand for the home minister to address the police's actions in Parliament.

'They are unwilling to eliminate the RSS influence on the Indian education system. They resist reform, and our stance remains unchanged: the home minister must explain the police brutality that occurred on July 20,' Gogoi stated.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury commented on Pradhan's reception by BJP leaders, likening it to the welcome given to the perpetrators in the Bilkis Bano case. She criticized the party for transforming a 'guilty person' into a 'hero,' asserting that this reflects the government's character and values.

When approached for comments regarding the new anti-paper leak bill and his resignation, Pradhan chose not to respond.

On Monday, the government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha aimed at amending the anti-paper leak law, proposing harsher penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹50 lakh, shortly after widespread student protests over the NEET controversy led to Pradhan's resignation.

The proposed legislation was presented by Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh amidst opposition protests demanding accountability for the police's crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest march to Parliament on July 20.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, stipulates that investigations into paper leak incidents must be concluded within two months.