Nation

IIE Digital Desk: On Monday, BJP and NDA Members of Parliament welcomed back former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, two days after his resignation over the scandalised NEET-UG paper leak. "Dharmendra Pradhan Zindubad" echoed through the Parliament complex as he entered, initiating a renewed political conflict with both the ruling coalition and opposition.

In anticipation of Pradhan's arrival, several BJP MPs congregated near the Makar Dwar entrance to show their backing. He was greeted by party leaders with applause, slogans, and a ceremonial cap, symbolizing their appreciation for his continued service to the government after his resignation this week.

The alleged NEET-UG paper leak caused widespread student protests and demands for accountability, leading to Pradhan's resignation from the Union Cabinet. He declared in his resignation letter that he was departing the office to serve the students and promote initiatives aimed at restoring confidence in the country's examination system. The Opposition parties were strongly critical of the BJP'S public demonstration of solidarity. During their protests, INDIA bloc members held posters outside the Parliament complex and accused government of not adequately safeguarding competitive examinations. The welcome given by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and various Opposition MPs was called into question due to the concerns of students affected by the controversy, according auxiliaries.

The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament has witnessed a prolonged controversy surrounding the leak of NEET papers. The supposed inaccuracies in the examination process triggered nationwide protests, as students and opposition parties demanded greater transparency to ensure conduct of competitive exams was consistent with international standards.

Narendra Modi has announced the creation of a high-level task force to propose reforms to India's examination system, in response. It is anticipated that the panel will recommend actions to enhance transparency, improve technological safeguards, and prevent future paper leaks and examination malpractice. The NEET controversy has become a major political issue, with Pradhan being welcomed by Parliament. While the BJP asserts that the warm welcome demonstrated appreciation and backing for a senior party leader who took ethical risks, the Opposition contends in favor of responding to students' grievances.

Given the ongoing heated debates within Parliament regarding this issue, it is expected that the government will continue to push for reforms and investigate the alleged paper leak. However, there are concerns that they may not be resolved anytime soon.

#WATCH | Delhi: Former Union Education Minister and BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan arrives at the Parliament.

BJP-NDA MPs sloganeer "Dharmendra Pradhan zindabad" as they receive him here. pic.twitter.com/7DHXIzMkvI

— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2026