Dharmendra Pradhan receives warm welcome in Parliament after resignation

Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm reception from party leaders and activists when he arrived in Parliament for the first time after resigning as India's Education Minister. Upon arriving at the Parliament building on Monday, he was greeted by several MPs from the BJP and NDA alliance. As he stepped out of his car, he accepted the greetings of all present, with the Parliament premises echoing with slogans of "Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad." Some MPs honoured him with garlands, traditional caps and shawls.

During the reception, one BJP MP remarked that it is rare for a minister to resign without any allegations of personal corruption. Meanwhile, when opposition Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commented on the matter, Dharmendra Pradhan responded by saying he is not someone who "sits in an AC room and does politics" but rather a "street fighter."

Pradhan recently stepped down as Education Minister amid prolonged pressure from opposition parties over the NEET question paper leak. However, his supporters claim he took the decision to set an example of national interest and political accountability, arguing that it has only strengthened his political image.

There is now intense speculation in political circles that the BJP may give him organisational responsibilities or assign him a significant campaign role in the upcoming assembly elections in five states. Party sources have also indicated that his role in national politics will remain as important as before.

In a statement posted on X after his resignation, Pradhan said the recent events had deeply pained him, but it was not a matter of his personal honour; rather, the interests of the country's youth were paramount. He said India's youth cannot be allowed to fall prey to confusion, and he would continue to work to protect their interests.

Pradhan has long been known as one of the most influential BJP leaders in Odisha. He is considered a trusted figure in the BJP's central leadership for his role in handling party responsibilities in various state elections and organisational activities. Party leaders believe his resignation will not diminish his influence in Odisha or in national politics.