Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm welcome from BJP and NDA MPs as he arrived at Parliament on Tuesday, making his first public appearance since stepping down from the post. As he got out of his vehicle at the Parliament complex, several party leaders gathered around him, raising slogans of “Dharmendra Pradhan Zindabad.” Pradhan acknowledged the greetings with a smile and waved at the media before entering the premises. The show of support came just two days after he resigned as education minister amid nationwide criticism over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. In his resignation letter, Pradhan said his decision was driven by the interests of students and the need to protect the credibility of the education system. According to those present, the reception reflected the BJP leadership's public backing of one of its senior leaders despite the political storm surrounding his exit.

Pradhan's resignation followed weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Student groups and opposition parties had demanded accountability, arguing that the paper leak had shaken the confidence of lakhs of aspirants across the country. Following his resignation, the Union government assigned the additional charge of the Education Ministry to Pralhad Joshi, who already handles the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy portfolios. Officials indicated that the move was intended to ensure continuity in the ministry's functioning while the government deals with the fallout from the examination controversy. Meanwhile, videos of BJP MPs chanting slogans in support of Pradhan outside Parliament quickly circulated on social media, triggering political reactions from both supporters and critics.

Even after his resignation, several senior BJP leaders publicly praised Pradhan's contribution to the education sector. Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited him with playing a key role in implementing major education reforms, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also acknowledged his efforts to strengthen India's education system and promote educational reforms during his tenure. BJP leaders maintained that Pradhan's resignation was a voluntary decision reflecting accountability rather than political pressure. The opposition, however, continued to question the government's handling of the NEET-UG paper leak and demanded a broader investigation into the examination process. Political observers believe the growing anger among students and young voters may have influenced the government's decision, although no official statement has confirmed that assessment. With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, education reforms, examination security, and the NEET controversy are expected to remain central issues in the days ahead.